Businesswoman Parmeshwar Godrej dies at 70

According to reports, she had been suffering from a lung disease for long

Businesswoman and wife of industrialist Adi Godrej, Parmeshwar Godrej, passed away on Monday night at Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai.

Parmeshwar, 70, a socialite and philanthropist who championed many social causes, was suffering from a lung illness and breathed her last on Monday night, family sources said adding that she has been cremated.

A multi-faceted person, Parmeshwar was also referred as a 'style icon' and was well connected with the who's who in the world of entertainment and business.

One of her biggest initiatives in philanthropy was joining hands with legendary Hollywood actor Richard Gere, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative to combat AIDS through the launch of the 'Heroes Project' in 2004.

Pakistani cricketer Imran Khan, who had been photographed in the past at the Godrejs' home, was among the first to offer tributes to her, saying he is "devastated" by the news of death of his "close friend".

Parmeshwar had worked with national carrier Air India briefly as an air hostess and had also designed clothes for noted actress Hema Malini on the insistence of director friend Feroze Khan for a film in 1975.

Parmeshwar and Adi married in 1965, and have three children -- daughters Nisa Godrej and Tanya Dubash who are associated with the flagship company Godrej Consumer Products, and son Pirojsha who leads the group's listed realty arm.

She had teamed up with acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur to launch a production house called 'Starlight' in 2000, which was preceded by co-producing the Merchant-Ivory production 'The Perfect Murder' in 1988.

Not just the glamour world, her network of friends were from diverse fields and in a recent book, nobel laureate Amartya Sen had spoken richly about her, calling Parmeshwar a "brilliant conversationalist" and "wonderful company".
 

 

People from various walks of life took to Twitter to express their condolences on the death of Parmeshwar Godrej.
 

Devastated by death of close friend, Parmeshwar Godrej, last night: she was always there for me in my most difficult times. 1/2

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 11, 2016

2/2 May her husband Adhi and her children find strength to cope with this loss.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 11, 2016

Deepest condolences to Adi uncle, Tanya, @ngodrej, Pirojsha & family. Will miss Parmeshwar Godrej, one of the warmest/toughest people I knew

— Milind Deora (@milinddeora) October 11, 2016

Shocked & deeply saddened.. So many lovely conversations.. Hard to believe she is no more..Parmeshwar Godrej RIP

— Ashvini Yardi (@AshviniYardi) October 11, 2016

My family is deeply saddened by the loss of #ParmeshwarGodrej Aunty.I pray God to grant family the strength.My most sincere condolences.

— ShainaNC (@ShainaNC) October 11, 2016

Few friends would go to the ends of the earth for you in times of need #ParmeshwarGodrej was one of them. RIP. Cherished friendships

— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) October 11, 2016

#ParmeshwarGodrej was a larger than life lady. She gave style & glamour a new dimension. Her charity work was great. She'll be missed. RIP

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 11, 2016

Before being married to Adi Godrej, Parmeshwar was one of the first air hostesses for Air India.