Socialite, philanthropist Parmeshwar Godrej dies in Mumbai

Parmeshwar was well known for her philanthropic work in combating AIDS through the Heroes project which she launched with Hollywood actor Richard Gere in 2002, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative.

Parmeshwar Godrej, renowned philanthropist, socialite and wife of Godrej Group chairman Adi Godrej, passed away last night at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.

Parmeshwar Godrej, wife of Godrej Group chairman Adi Godrej had been admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital a week ago and had been suffering from a lung disease. (HT File Photo)

The 70-year-old had been admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital a week ago and had been suffering from a lung disease.

She was well known for her philanthropic work in combating AIDS through the Heroes project which she launched with Hollywood actor Richard Gere in 2002, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative.

Read | A true original: Vir Sanghvi remembers Parmeshwar Godrej

Former Pakistan cricketer and politician Imran Khan took to the twitter to express his condolences.

“Devastated by the death of close friend, Parmeshwar Godrej, last night. She was there for me in my most difficult times,” he said.

One of India’s top socialites, she played a key role in the various social initiatives of the Godrej Group. She was also one of the first airhostess of Air India before her marriage to Adi Godrej. “Parmeshwar Godrej was a larger than life lady. She gave style and glamour a new dimension. Her charity work was great,” said actor Anupam Kher.

She is survived by three children Nisa, Pirojsha and Tanya Dubash.