Shreeram Lagoo Honored with 21-gun salute!

The world of theatre lost Shriram Lagoo who is known as the 'Emperor of Theatre'. Lagoo passed away on December 17, 2019, due to prolonged illness and age-related problems. His sad demise definitely sent tremors of shock amongst celebrities.  He is survived by his wife and a son. Revered as his body was kept for people to pay their last respects at the Balgandharva Rangmandir for a few hours before the last rites.

Lagoo served the stage for over five decades and his memorable performances in theatre and films included 'Natsamrat', Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi', 'Souten', 'Singhasan', 'Saamna', 'Gharaonda', 'Pukar', 'Inkaar', etc.

Lagoo was draped with the National Tricolour, and his mortal remains encased in a glass casket were later brought to the open ground outside the Balgandharva Rangmandir where the Maharashtra Police accorded a 21-gun salute to the acting legend.

The reports in IANS also suggest that after the salute, three bells were rung which symbolized the start of theatre performance - the huge funeral procession wended its way to the Vaikunth Crematorium, around 3 km away.

Among the prominent personalities who paid floral tributes to the renowned actor included Maharashtra Minister Subhash Desai, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray, Baba Adhav, Hindi and Marathi film and stage personalities like Amol Palekar, Nana Patekar, Urmila Matondkar, Ramdas Futane, Sudhir Gadgil, Nandu Madhav and many others.

Present were several representatives of nationalist organisations like Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti, leftist and forward groups, a large number of fans, admirers and citizenry, many seen breaking down or weeping.

He will always be remembered as one of the exemplary artists and for his humongous contribution to the world of Cinema and Theater. The stage is set and the legendary actor is about to start his drama even after his sad demise.