Noted astrologer Bejan Daruwalla dead at 88

Ahmedabad: Acclaimed astrologer Bejan Daruwalla breathed his last at a private hospital in Gandhinagar on Friday. He was 88. Daruwalla had tested positive for Covid-19, according to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation records but his family vehemently denied that he had contracted coronavirus.
Daruwalla was being treated for pneumonia and brain hypoxia for the past few days. His name featured on the list of Covid-19 positive patients declared by the AMC on May 22, but his family members denied that.

“My father was not Covid-19 positive. He was a fighter and he fought bravely till his last breath,” said Nastur Daruwalla, the son of the astrologer. “He predicted that coronavirus will soon go away. India, despite its poverty and joblessness, will rise like a phoenix. Next year will be the best year for India and the country will soon emerge as a superpower.”
The news of Daruwalla’s death left his friends and followers saddened. Behram Mehta, whom Daruwalla called his dearest friend, said: “He treated me like his son. He always told me that when he expired, he wanted a grand farewell. Unfortunately, with the lockdown in place, that will not be possible.” Mehta went on to say: “I am saddened beyond words and pray that his family will be consoled.”
Hemang Pandit, the founder of GaneshaSpeaks, said that the news of Daruwalla’s death was shocking and traumatizing. “We will ensure that Bejan Daruwalla’s legacy will continue through GaneshaSpeaks,” Pandit said.
In a video posted on an online platform in the second week of April, Daruwalla had predicted that the challenges of dealing with coronavirus will remain in the month of April and May. “After May 21, this disease is expected to go away with Lord Ganesha’s blessing,” said Daruwalla who is joined by astrologer Dharmesh Joshi.
Born on July 11, 1931, and hailing from Ahmedabad, Daruwalla once taught English literature at HA Arts and Commerce College before moving to Mumbai. His interests spanned sports and literature. In his astrologer’s avatar, his jolly nature and easy accessibility won hearts of people around the globe.
Last year, he was admitted to a hospital in Ahmedabad after he suffered from a brain stroke from which he seemed to have recovered, said sources.