Defying Age-Old Tradition, Mandira Bedi Carries Husband Raj Kaushal's Bier, Performs Last Rites
In the photos from Raj Kaushal's funeral, Mandira Bedi can be seen paying her last respect by carrying the bier, breaking the age-old Hindu tradition and gender stereotype.
Raj Kaushal's untimely and sudden demise has left the entire industry shocked. His friends and family that the lively man they partied with on Sunday has left them all for heavenly abode after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age 49.
At his funeral, Mandira Bedi was inconsolable. She broke down as her friend Ronit Roy consoled her.
In the photos from the funeral, Mandira Bedi can be seen paying her last respect by carrying the bier, breaking the age-old Hindu tradition.
She had an earthen pot, which is broken during the cremation ritual, in her hand. Filled with water, the pot is carried usually by the male member of the family who lights the pyre.
Mandira broke this gender stereotype and age-old Hindu tradition by performing the last rites of her husband.
To offer their condolences, her friends including Apurva Agnihotri, Huma Qureshi, Sameer Soni and Ashish Chowdhry were seen there.
Talking about Raj, his friend Rohit Roy told Bombay Times, ¡°There is no way one can come to terms with Raj¡¯s passing. He was one of the most happy, positive and vibrant people around. He never had anything negative to say about anyone¡ nor did anyone have anything negative to say about him. He was the kind of friend anyone would give an arm to have in their life. He stood by people through thick and thin. I will never forgive him for going away without saying goodbye.¡±
Kaushal was a director and producer active in the 90s and mid 200s. He was a stunt coordinator. He directed films like Anthony Kaun Hai (2006), Shaadi Ka Laddoo (2004) and Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999) and produced My Brother¡ Nikhil (2005) and Pyaar Mein Diya Kabhi (1999).
Raj Kaushal is survived by his wife Mandira Bedi and two kids Vir and Tara.