Celebrities and their families deserve privacy too

Readers discuss Sridevi's funeral, roadside art, the cleaning of the Taj Mahal and more

"I quickly realised that the forced intrusion was indeed the series of billboards depicting the wonderful works of art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi."    Chris Whiteoak / The National
Powered by automated translation

I refer to your sensitive editorial Sridevi deserves privacy as inquiries are concluded (February 27): you are right that certain sections of the television media, particularly in India, have been insensitive, indiscreet and ghoulish. They have mooted all types of conspiracy theories, even when police were completing their protocols. Sridevi, besides being a movie star, was also a mother and wife. The family should have been left alone to grieve and overcome the shock of the loss. Celebrities and their families are human beings too.

Raju Aneja, Dubai

Please keep our roads free from distractions

In reference to your story Louvre Abu Dhabi launches the first roadside gallery (February 15), while I love the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the beautiful artworks and learning about them, I do not wish to be distracted each time I pass one of these billboards.

As I drove from the capital, maintaining a steady yet heady pace towards Dubai, I quickly realised the forced intrusion was indeed the series of billboards depicting the wonderful works of art at the museum on Saadiyat Island. Compounding my misery were the mega-sized billboards promoting bungalows or flats which, for me, spoil the beautiful, natural vistas that made the Saadiyat Island highway so splendid. Please declutter the vistas from our beautiful roads.

Mohamed Kanoo, Abu Dhabi

The Taj is India's pride and should be preserved with care

I refer to your report

(February 27): what an interesting read. India's world famous monument, the Taj Mahal, requires routine maintenance to preserve its appearance. It receives millions of visitors each year. This famous mausoleum is India's pride and should be preserved and maintained to the highest standard, even though there is some risk involved, particularly when cleaning the dome of this centuries-old structure. Though debates rage, there can be no compromise with either the preservation or the safety of the workers. I sincerely hope that the government will take careful measures to clean our treasured monument.

K Ragavan, Bangalore