Noted astrologer Bejan Daruwalla dies at 89

astrologer-dath Bejan Daruwalla | Screengrab

Noted astrologer Bejan Daruwalla passed away on Friday evening at a private hospital in Ahmedabad. He was admitted to Apollo Hospitals after he complained of breathing difficulties. Daruwalla was 89.

A person close to the family said his blood pressure was fluctuating and the oxygen saturation levels had gone down. He was also suffering from pneumonia.

A few days ago, his son Nastur had clarified that his father's COVID-19 report was negative.

However, there is no official confirmation yet on whether he died of COVID-19 or other ailments.

Daruwalla was an ardent follower of Lord Ganesha despite being a Parsi.

He had also worked as an English professor at a college in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani tweeted that he is saddened by the demise of Daruwalla.

Behram Mehta, MD of Aava water, told THE WEEK that Daruwalla was like a father to him and would come to his residence every weekend for meals. The astrologer would also call him up daily and bless him.

Mehta, also a Parsi, knew Daruwalla for more than 25 years. He described Daruwalla as the greatest human being he ever met and said the astrologer believed the philosophy of 'live and let live'.

Mehta said all that Daruwalla wanted was a glorious funeral, but due to lockdown that would not be possible.

Prayers have begun at the Parsi Fire Temple in Khamasa, old city of Ahmedabad. There is no decision yet on when the last rites will be held.

A person close to the family said that for the last one month, Daruwalla had been saying he would not live long and that Lord Ganesha was calling him.