Renowned socialite and philanthropist Parmeshwar Godrej passes away in Mumbai

Renowned socialite and philanthropist Parmeshwar Godrej passed away late Monday night at the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai.

Parmeshwar was married to Adi Godrej, the chairman of the Godrej Group.

Five years ago, Parmeshwar was diagnosed with a lung disease and was receiving treatment for it. Last month, she suffered an infection and the doctors suspected pneumonia.

According to reports, the 70-year-old was suffering from a degenerative ailment in the lungs. Her cremation took place last night itself.

Parmeshwar will be remembered for spreading AIDS awareness through the Heroes project, which she launched in 2004 along with Hollywood actor Richard Gere.

The initiative also garnered support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative.

Her work in the field led her to contribute in other sectors related to women’s and children’s health.

According to her friends, the socialite-philanthropist was also one of the most gracious hosts. In 2012, she had also hosted an exclusive soiree with American talk show host Oprah Winfrey at her Juhu villa.

Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was among the first ones to express his condolences. Khan took to his microblogging account and wrote,

“Devastated by death of close friend, Parmeshwar Godrej, last night: she was always there for me in my most difficult times. May her husband Adhi and her children find strength to cope with this loss.”

Former Minister of State with the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications, Milind Deora also expressed his condolences to Adi Godrej and family. “Deepest condolences to Adi uncle, Tanya, @ngodrej, Pirojsha & family. Will miss Parmeshwar Godrej, one of the warmest/toughest people I knew,” he wrote.

According to one report, a little known fact about Parmeshwar is that she was one of the first air hostesses for Air India.