Grief enveloped the Century Mills MHADA colony in Prabhadevi on Thursday morning as the mortal remains of 29-year-old flight attendant Pinky Mali were brought home for her final rites. Pinky was among those who lost their lives in the tragic charter plane crash in Baramati that also claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Family members, neighbours, aviation colleagues and relatives gathered in silence as Pinky’s parents, Shiv Kumar Mali and Maya Mali, broke down on seeing their daughter for the last time. Her siblings, Karan and Preeti, stood by them, offering strength amid the overwhelming loss.
A dream shaped by responsibility
Relatives who travelled from Banaras in Uttar Pradesh remembered Pinky as cheerful and deeply family-oriented. Neighbours described her as proactive, content with her career and committed to supporting her parents, especially after her father faced repeated job losses following the closure of Century Mills.
Friends said Pinky had once dreamt of modelling but chose to become a flight attendant to ensure financial stability at home and fulfil her father’s aspirations connected to aviation.
Respected by colleagues
Aviation colleagues recalled Pinky as hardworking and enthusiastic. “She was always ready to fly,” said a co-worker, adding that she often took long duty schedules without complaint and had experience flying with VVIPs.
Another colleague said no complaints were ever raised against her during her service, calling her professional and warm-hearted.
Last journey through familiar lanes
After being taken to her in-laws’ residence in Kalwa, Pinky’s body was brought to Prabhadevi, where friends and neighbours paid their respects. Her last rites were later performed at Shivaji Park.
Her father has sought an inquiry, alleging the family was not formally informed about her death and had to learn about the crash through television reports.