Modi, Rajnath, Sonia, film industry condole Vinod Khanna’s death

New Delhi/Mumbai, April 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the demise of Vinod Khanna, saying he would be remembered as a popular actor and a dedicated leader.

“Will always remember Vinod Khanna as a popular actor, dedicated leader & a wonderful human. Pained by his demise. My condolences,” he said in a tweet.

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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh took to Twitter to express condolence over Khanna’s demise, adding that he had carved a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians.

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“Shri Vinod Khanna had an illustrious career in films and politics. He carved a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians,” Rajnath tweeted.

“With the demise of Vinod Khannaji the people of India have lost a fabulous actor and sensitive politician. May his soul rest in peace.”

Khanna, sitting BJP MP from Gurdaspur, has been famous for his personality and exemplary work in movies like ‘Achaanak’, ‘Qurbani’, and ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’.

Union Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted, “Condolences on sad demise of veteran actor & BJP MP Shri #VinodKhanna ji, may God render peace to the departed soul & solace to his family. Shri #VinodKhanna ji was a great actor and a gentleman politician--will miss him.”

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also condoled the demise of the actor.

Remembering him as a gifted actor, who dominated the silver screen with his outstanding persona, Sonia said Vinodji had a rare and profound influence over the masses by his simple and charismatic character. She also expressed solidarity with Khanna’s family and prayed for the departed soul.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari also mourned the loss of the actor-politician. “I deeply mourn the demise of senior @BJP4India parliamentarian Vinod Khanna, a versatile film personality and a great human being,” Gadkari tweeted.

Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani tweeted, “Heard about the sad demise of Vinod Khannaji. Kind, considerate, a legend in his own right. Had the honour of producing a series with him.”

B-town mourns death

Bollywood celebrities have expressed their heartfelt grief and condolences at Khanna’s demise.

Ace director Karan Johar took to Twitter to pay tribute to the legendary actor. He wrote, “His screen presence is unparalleled even today...his super star swag is what we grew up on....RIP #VinodKhanna ...thoughts and prayers....”

Distributor of the Hindi dubbed version of SS Rajamouli's ‘Baahubali 2’, KJo even decided to cancel the premiere of the film as a mark of respect to the veteran actor.

“As a mark of respect to our beloved Vinod Khanna the entire team of Baahubali has decided to cancel the premiere tonight...,” posted the ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ helmer.

Sanjay Dutt, who is saddened by his demise said, “I have watched Vinod ji as a child and throughout my life was always fascinated by his style and charisma. He was always a thorough gentleman. A big loss to the fraternity. He is and always will be family to the Dutts. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to Kavita Bhabhi, Akshay, Rahul and Sakshi.”

Vinod Khanna's ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ co-star Rishi Kapoor tweeted in response to the veteran star’s death.

“Remembering the good times with you, Vinod. Thank you for being my friend.”

Actor Rajinikanth condoled the death and described him as his “dear friend”.

“My dear friend Vinod Khanna... will miss you, RIP. My heartfelt condolences to the family,” he tweeted.