Shaad Ali

Veteran freedom fighter Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, who was part of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's Indian National Army (INA), passed away today morning in Kanpur following a brief illness. She was 97 years old.

She was very active during the Independence movement and had commanded the 'Rani of Jhansi Regiment' of the INA. A doctor by profession, Sehgal was working as a medical practitioner and a social worker. She was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1998.

Incidentally Capt. Lakshmi Sahgal's grandson happens to be director Shaad Ali who has made films like Bunty Aur Babli, Saathiya and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.

Amitabh Bachchan, who has worked with Shaad, expressed his condolences on Twitter. The veteran actor tweeted, "Shrimati Lakshmi Sehgal passes away at 97 in Kanpur .. fierce freedom fighter for Independence of India .. what a lady ! Prayers for her soul! She was with Subhash Chandra Bose and the INA..the Indian National Army to fight against British rule. Captain Lakshmi Sahgal .. grandmother of Shaad Ali, who directed BuntyBubli and JhoomBarabarJhoom .. condolences and prayers Shaad ! Just yesterday Shaad sent sms to me on her condition that despite cardiac attack, continued to conduct herself with a fighting spirit."

We at Bollywood Hungama too offer our condolences to Captain Lakshmi Sahgal's family members.