The family of Hindi film actor-director Dev Anand, who passed away in London on Saturday night, confirmed on Tuesday that he will be cremated in London.
Anand, who had turned 88 this September, had died of a sudden cardiac arrest at his Mayfair hotel in his sleep on Saturday night.
However, no formal details about the date of the cremation have been provided as the actor-director’s body has not been handed over to his family as yet by the authorities.
“Before preparations for the funeral can be finalised, Mr Dev Anand’s family in Britain are waiting for the rest of his immediate family to arrive from India and also for the formal release of his body in accordance with due procedure,” a statement issued by the family in London on Tuesday revealed.
The actor-director’s death was, according to the rules, reported to the coroner as he was not seen during the 14 days before the death by the doctor issuing the medical certificate after he died.
The coroner has the authority to either order an autopsy or waive it according to the circumstances. It is not clear whether an autopsy has been ordered by the coroner in this case.
The family has also not clarified if the funeral will be private or open to public. In case, the funeral is not private, they will have to coordinate with the local authorities and the Metropolitan police about the security and other arrangements.
The family has also not released any details about the venue of the cremation, but sources indicate that it is most likely to be held at the Golders Green crematorium in north London, where British singer Amy Winehouse was cremated in July this year.
The funeral will be followed by a memorial gathering and tribute in London. A remembrance ceremony will also be held in Mumbai.
“In due course, Mr Anand’s ashes will be taken back to India, where a major ceremony of remembrance will be held in Mumbai,” his son Suniel and nephew Tony Sarin said in the joint statement.
The actor-director’s family said they have been overwhelmed “by the outpouring of public sympathy and love” from people after Dev Anand’s sudden death in London. They thanked “everyone for their patience, understanding and heartfelt affection.”
Expressing their “sincere gratitude” for kind words and moral support, the family said, “These have been of tremendous comfort and support to them throughout this very difficult period.”
The family also hoped that “the memory and legacy of our Family Hero” would be continued in the hearts of his fans and well-wishers the world over.