No takers for Suraiyya's house

Once upon a time, queues of people lining up outside Krishna Mahal to have a glimpse of screen goddess Suraiyya caused traffic jams in Marine Drive.

But it may soon be lost forever to those for whom it holds sentimental value.

Barely two days after the her demise, the filigreed wooden doors of the ground floor flat in Krishna Mahal building began sporting a legal notice for the benefit of any person, who wishes to make a claim to the premises.

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"Such person is advised to notify the undersigned in the event of such person making a claim to the said flat whether by way of successor or residence or otherwise whatsoever," the notice says. In case there are no legal claimants, the house would go back to the landlord.

Suraiyya being a spinster, the likelihood of the flat going back is high.

"It is a shame if the house goes back to the landlord since it holds so many memories of Suraiyya and a lot of sentimental values for her fans across the globe. She has gone through a lot in this house of hers," said Sadhana Rana, a family friend of the late actress.

"I hope someone comes forward to retain the house or to ensure that something could be done legally to ensure that it is well-preserved. She never made a will regarding the house because she suffered from a phobia that if she ever did make a will she would die," she said.