Why was Sridevi cremated with state honors?

Sridevi’s mortal remains were cremated yesterday, wrapped in tricolor at the Crematorium at Vile Parle after being taken in a procession from the Celebrations Sports Complex in Lokhandwala, Mumbai. According to reports, she was accorded a state funeral with gun salute as an acknowledgement for her five decade long contribution to the entertainment industry. Although initially, state funerals in India were reserved only for current or former presidents, prime ministers, Union ministers and state chief ministers, now the state government has the right to decide if someone should be given last rites with state honor, considering the stature and contribution of the person. Thousands of fans gathered outside the complex to pay tribute to the the veteran actress. She was then accompanied by her family – daughters, husband Boney Kapoor, brothers-in-law Anil and Sanjay Kapoor, stepson Arjun Kapoor and nephew Mohit Marwah - to the last rites. Her glass casket was draped with flowers, an enlarged picture of her forming a backdrop.