Today marks the seventh death anniversary of Bollywood’s legendary actress, Sridevi. Despite the passage of time, she remains deeply embedded in the hearts of millions across the globe. Among her countless admirers, one fan stands apart due to his extraordinary and lifelong devotion—O.P. Mehra, a resident of Daduni village in Madhya Pradesh, just 9 km from Sheopur.
A Life Dedicated to Sridevi
O.P. Mehra’s love for Sridevi extends beyond ordinary fandom. His admiration took a spiritual turn in 1986 when he performed a symbolic marriage ceremony with Sridevi’s photograph. Since then, he has remained unmarried, considering himself spiritually bound to the Bollywood icon.
His devotion became even more apparent when Sridevi passed away on February 24, 2018. Unlike other grieving fans, Mehra honored her memory as a husband would, performing traditional Hindu post-death rituals:
- Mundan (Head Shaving Ceremony): A ritual symbolizing grief and respect for the departed.
- Shok Sabha (Memorial Gathering): A mourning event where people came together to pay tribute to Sridevi.
- Terahvin (13th-Day Rituals): He organized a feast for 151 young girls, following Hindu customs of honoring the deceased.
Since then, every February 24, Mehra hosts a grand feast for the village and organizes a tribute event. A garland is placed on Sridevi’s photograph, and the villagers observe a moment of silence in her honor.
Facing Family’s Discontent Yet Remaining Unshaken
Mehra’s unwavering commitment to Sridevi has often led to tension within his family, but he remains resolute in his beliefs. His acts of devotion have been both admired and questioned:
- Registered Sridevi as His Wife: In an unprecedented move, Mehra officially listed Sridevi as his spouse in the voter registration records, shocking many in his village.
- Refusal to Marry: Despite continuous pressure from his family, he has remained steadfast in his vow of lifelong devotion to Sridevi.
- Community Criticism: While some admire his dedication, others have ridiculed his actions. However, this has never deterred him from honoring her memory.
A Village That Remembers Sridevi Every Year
What began as an individual’s tribute has now evolved into an annual event for the entire village of Daduni. Every year on February 24, villagers come together to celebrate Sridevi’s legacy in a grand manner:
- Community Feast: A large meal is prepared and served to all villagers.
- Tribute Ceremony: People gather to offer flowers and prayers before Sridevi’s photograph.
- Acknowledgment of Mehra’s Devotion: Villagers recognize and respect Mehra’s lifelong commitment to the late actress.
Kunjbihari Chaudhary, a resident of Daduni, confirms that Mehra has performed every Hindu ritual traditionally reserved for a deceased spouse, cementing his dedication to Sridevi in the eyes of the village.
An Unparalleled Devotion That Lives On
O.P. Mehra’s love for Sridevi remains unmatched. His story is a unique example of how admiration can transform into a lifetime of unwavering devotion. While Sridevi may have departed this world seven years ago, she continues to live on in the hearts of her fans—especially in the life of O.P. Mehra, whose mission is to keep her memory alive.
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