The mortal remains of eminent writer and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sister's Gita Mehta were consigned to flame at Lodhi Road Crematorium Ground in Delhi on Monday.
Mehta's son Aditya Singh Mehta lighted the funeral pyre in the presence of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, his brother Prem Patnaik and other relatives. Many noted personalities paid their last respects to her at her residence at the Abdul Kalam Road.
BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda paid his respect to Gita Mehta and said, “Though she was the daughter of the legendary Biju Patnaik, she started her own course. Her husband Sonny Mehta was one of the most famous publishers of all times. Her brother Naveen Patnaik has been the CM of Odisha for a quarter of a century.”
“She was very down to earth, very witty and very charismatic. She always spoke her mind, and took great interest in aspects of life, beyond her professional interests. She was a great host and she will be greatly missed,” he added.
Gita, 80, died of old age ailments and is survived by her son. Her publisher husband Sonny Mehta had predeceased her. Born in 1943, she studied in India and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
She has penned books including ‘Karma Cola’, ‘Snake and Ladders’, ‘A River Sutra’, ‘Raj’ and ‘The Eternal Ganesha’.
PM Narendra Modi condoled her death and wrote, “I am saddened by the passing away of noted writer Smt. Gita Mehta Ji. She was a multifaceted personality, known for her intellect and passion towards writing as well as film making. She was also passionate about nature and water conservation. My thoughts are with Naveen Patnaik ji and the entire family in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”