Bollywood mourns Manohar Parrikar's demise

The entire country plunged into united grief on March 17 after Manohar Parrikar died at age 63. Celebrities from Hindi film industry too took to social media to offer condolences on Parrikar's death.

New Delhi: Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Hema Malini and Sanjay Dutt have expressed grief over demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, describing him as dignified, simple in demeanour and an honest person.

Taking to Twitter, Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan wrote on Sunday, “Manohar Parikar CM Goa, passes away .. a gentleman to the core, simple in demeanour and well respected .. spent few short moments with him .. very dignified .. fought his illness bravely .. prayers and condolences.”

Expressing grief, Anupam Kher, posting a picture with Parrikar, tweeted, “Deeply deeply saddened to know about the untimely demise of Shri #ManoharParrikar ji. He was one of the most real, dignified, intelligent, warm, down-to-earth & honest person I had met. He had a great quality of inspiring people so effortlessly. Will miss him. Om Shanti.”

Remembering the politician for his efficiency, popularity and charisma, actor-turned- politician Hema Malini tweeted, “The extremely popular, conscientious, efficient CM of Goa is no more. Manohar Parrikarji will be mourned by all, way beyond party lines - such was his charisma & appeal. With a heavy heart the country says RIP Manoharji.”

“Sad to hear about the loss of one of our finest leaders, #ManoharParrikar ji. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with the grieving family & friends,” wrote actor Sanjay Dutt.

Extending his heartfelt condolences to Parrikar’s family, Akshay Kumar said, “Extremely sad at hearing about the demise of Sh. Manohar Parrikar Ji. I feel blessed to have had the fortune of meeting and knowing a sincere and good soul as he was. Heartfelt condolences to his family.”

Describing him as a man of few words, actor Randeep Hooda wrote, “Man of few words, simple, epitome of integrity and efficiency, a straight shooter, defence minister, 3 time chief minister of Goa, away from the trappings of a person in power, IITian, well mannered, a true servant of the nation, an example to follow for one and all.. Salute. Had the honour of meeting him when he was the #defenceminister of #india, at the launch of a movie about the #indianarmy under the #BritishRaj he leaned over & said “uniforms too nice for #indian soldiers at the time” he said. ”we will age it suitably sir” I said. He nodded “good”.”

Riteish Deshmukh said, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Shri #ManoharParrikar ji ... one of the tallest leaders of India. Condolences to the family & loved ones.”

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, comedian Vir Das and singer and singer Lata Mangeshkar also expressed his grief over Parrikar’s demise.

Senior BJP leader Parrikar, 63, breathed his last at his residence in Dona Paula near Panaji on Sunday evening.

A four-time Chief Minister of Goa and a former Defence Minister, Parrikar had been in and out of the hospitals since February last year. It was in October last year that the state government made a formal announcement about Parrikar suffering from a pancreatic ailment. He had undergone treatment in the United States as well as in New Delhi.

Parrikar took charge as the Chief Minister on March 14, 2017, and held the office till his end. He had previously served as the Chief Minister of the state from 2000 to 2002, 2002 to 2005 and from 2012 to 2014.