Allow us the space to grieve: Sridevi's family puts out a heartfelt statement

The public frenzy that surrounded the death of actress Sridevi was a rare event in India. Ever since the news broke of the actress's demise on 24 February in Dubai, her family has been the centre of attention across the country. The family of the actress has now put out a statement thanking the fans for their love and asking for some space to grieve for the departed actress.

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Sridevi's husband, Boney Kapoor, put out a statement through Twitter late on Wednesday night. The producer thanked family, friends from the industry and fans for standing by them in this tough time. However, Boney emphasised that his 'only concern' right now was to take care of their daughters, Khushi and Jahnvi, and to help find a way to cope with this loss. In a touching note, he wrote 'Please respect our need to grieve privately. If you need to talk of Sri, let it be of the special memories that connect each of you to her.'

Sridevi's brother-in-law and co-star Anil Kapoor also penned a heartfelt letter to fans and the media requesting the same. Her Mr. India (1987) co-actor was thankful for the tremendous love that fans and friends paid the actress on her last journey. "This outpouring of love," wrote Anil, "is the memory that we would like Khushi and Jahnvi to have of their mother."

The actor addressed the media in particular saying that they 'respect the privacy of the family and allow us the space to grieve'.

Sridevi passed away on 24 February in Dubai, in an 'accidental drowning'. The actress was 54.

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Immediately after her death, there broke a massive frenzy of speculation surrounding the nature of her death, and its cause. However, the Dubai police cleared any rumours of criminal intent, allowing her mortal remains to be transported back to India.

The funeral, which took place on 28 February, was one of the largest public ceremonies for a star in India in recent times.

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