If Sridevi, and Ajit Wadekar could be honoured with state funerals, why wasn't Ramakant Achrekar? As criticism mounted over denying Achrekar — a Padma Shri and Dronacharya awardee — a state funeral, top ministers apologised for their government that was caught on the wrong foot.

Despite being a Padma Shri and Dronacharya award-winning coach, Ramakant Achrekar was not given a state funeral yesterday. It transpired later in the day that a state funeral is granted irrespective of the deceased personality being civilian award winner or no.