Supriya Devi to be accorded guard of honour before funeral

Kolkata: Veteran Bengali film actress Supriya Devi, who breathed her last early on Friday, would be accorded a guard of honour and gun salute before her last rites are performed, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced here.

"She was one of the leading lights of the golden era of Bengali films. Her body will be piloted by the police. We will give her a guard of honour at the Keoratala crematorium. We will give her the highest form of government respect," Banerjee said after paying respects to the deceased actress at her residence.

The body of the actress was being taken to the Rabindra Sadan compound for the public to pay their last respects.

After about three hours, the final journey would begin for Keoratala, she said.

Expressing shock and grief over Supriya's death, Banerjee said: "She was like a family member to us."

Earlier in the day, Banerjee had tweeted: "Very saddened at the passing of legendary actress of Bengal, Supriya Chowdhury (Debi). We will fondly remember her through her films. Condolences to her family and fans."