The Keoratola crematorium where her body was consigned to flames was turned into a virtual fortress as a large number of people from all walks of life, including celebrities, had gathered there to pay homage.
Among all these, clad in a white shawl, Banerjee continued to manage things issuing orders to the police and others as she constantly consoled the bereaved family, including Sen's daughter Moon Moon and grand daughters Riya and Raima.
The coffin-encased body was brought into the crematorium amid booming of gun shots as the iconic actress was given a 21-gun salute on her final journey.
There was some anticipation among the fans and the public when the body was to be brought out of the coffin for putting it on the pyre.
But a strong presence of police officers, who had thrown a ring around the pyre, prevented any view as the body was mounted on the pyre and covered with wooden logs as Moon Moon performed the rituals.
Stars and technicians from the Bengali cinema world including the likes of Prosenjit Chatterjee, June Maliah and yesteryear Bollywood actor Biswajit, politicians, senior police officials and doctors who treated her -- all were present at the crematorium where the actress's body was consigned to the flames as teary-eyed fans looked on.
