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Hundreds bid adieu to Dhirubhai

The rustic white dhoti-turban of Chorwad and the white crisply ironed chiffon of Mumbai's Who is Who today brushed shoulders as scores of people from all walks of life came to pay their last respect to the doyen of the Indian industry, Dhirubhai Ambani, at Sea Wind, his plush residential complex in South Mumbai.

The otherwise-formidable iron gates were thrown open to mourners since the wee hours of Sunday as a steady stream of people poured in to have a last glimpse of their beloved business tycoon, who dominated the equity culture in the commercial capital for over past four decades.

A large posse of private security men stood guard along the gate, shouting out orders to vehicle drivers that pulled outside Ambani's residential complex while a special squad of private security men strictly monitored the entrants to the residential complex and ensured that the mourners formed a neat queue with a view to maintain sombre atmosphere.

The fragrant smell of incence sticks wafted through the basement and the soft strains of Shree Krishna Sharnam Mamah and Om Bhur Bhuvasva gently filled the air, as streams of mourners walked in a disciplined queue towards the flower-decked body of the Ambani patriach.

The gold-rimmed photograph of a beaming Dhirubhai decorated with fresh red roses overlooked the mourners when they passed by. Three metal urns filled with water and decorated with diyas and fresh jasmine buds, underlined the overwhelming presence of Dhirubhai in the residential complex.

The Reliance's chief's favourite quotes: "Think big, think fast, think ahead. Ideas are no one's monopoly. You do not require an invitation to make profits," adorned the blue and white pandal all along the aisles.

Scores of officials from the Reliance Group and volunteers made a human chain to usher and guide mourners, keen on having a glimpse of one of India's self-made men.

Huge metal idols of Lord Ganesh and laminated frames of Lord Krishna also adorned the various entry points at the residential complex along with various profile shots of Ambani, decorated with sprays of white carnations and lilies.

The tycoon's sons, Mukesh and Anil, daughters Nina and Dipti and his daughter-in-laws Tina and Nita, all dressed in pristine white, greeted mourners with folded hands and accepted condolences from one and all.

A stream of celebrities from the business world right from Ratan Tata to Anand Mahindra streamed in since early morning. The palatial mansion also appeared as a congregation of leading film stars and personalities with mega stars like Amitabh Bachchan, accompanied by wife Jaya and son Abhishek, showman Subhash Ghai, actors Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, actress Karisma Kapoor and Shabana Azmi paying a visit.

The entry of the latest heart throb, Hrithik Roshan, however, sent the security personnel into a tizzy with the streams of on-lookers, who had so long maintained a steady silence, breaking the cordon to have a look at the mega star.

As the media jostled to have a closer shot of the celebrities, the security personnel had a tough job managing the media and the crowds spilling on the road since Sunday morning.

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