Mumbai :Celebrities like Lata Mangeshkar, Shah Rukh Khan and A R Rahman on Monday mourned the demise of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, calling his death a great loss to the country.
Kalam, who served as the 11th President from 2002 to 2007 and came to be known as ‘People’s President’, died today after he collapsed during a lecture at IIM Shillong. He was 83.
Four-time National Award-winning composer Rahman said the country lost an “inspiring mind”.
“Dr Kalam, when you became the President, you gave the word ‘hope’ a new meaning for Indians…
“Today, we have lost a great leader who inspired our young minds to feel that we live in the greatest nation on earth and that each one of them can achieve great things… May the creator lead you to heaven,” Rahman posted on his Facebook page.
Bollywood’s evergreen voice Mangeshkar also took to Facebook to pay her condolence.
“I have just been informed that our former President, Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has passed away. I am saddened by the news. I knew him very well personally. He was a great scientist, a human being and a good poet. I pay my tribute to him. May he rest in peace,” she said.
Superstar Shah Rukh, also condemning Gurdaspur terrorist attack, tweeted, “So sad to hear about the Gurdaspur terror attack and now the news of Dr Kalam’s demise. May Allah bring peace upon all.”
“Sad to hear about the loss of our only people’s president – Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Big loss to not just our nation but the whole world,” posted Ajay on his Twitter page.
“I just got this news. It is a very sad moment for us. I think he has left behind good values for us.
“And the way he led his life was exemplary. The way he thought, the way he spoke, the way he lived… all that should be a torchlight guiding us and we should keep him alive in our hearts,” said Rajya Sabha MP and Bollywood screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was in Delhi today.
Actor Varun Dhawan wrote, “A visionary passes away” Abdul Kalam a brilliant mind and soul. His book ‘Wings Of Fire’ is a must for every youth of our country.”
“So sad to know about the passing away of Dr Abdul Kalam. It is a loss not only for India but for d entire world. Such greatness is a rarity.
“Had the opportunity of meeting & interacting with Dr Kalam at several occasions. His infectious smile was enough to inspire millions. #Sad,” tweeted Anupam Kher, who received Padma Shri from Kalam.
Kher also called him his inspiration. “I was one of the lucky ones to receive my Padma Shri from Dr Kalam. He made it extra special for me. He will always remain my inspiration,” he further said.
PTI