MUMBAI: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has mourned the death of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying he has lost a part of his childhood and growing up memories.
The 93-year-old leader, who had faded from public life for more than a decade following health complications, died at the national capital’s AIIMS, where he was admitted for the past nine weeks.
An emotional Shah Rukh tweeted:
For The Poet Prime Minister of our country, love you Baapji…https://t.co/IKTYouMdiy pic.twitter.com/kLO4JAHvNu
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 16, 2018
The “Chennai Express” star said Vajpayee was fondly addressed as ‘Baapji’ at his home.
“The country lost a father-figure and a great leader. Personally I have lost a part of my childhood and growing up memories of learning, smiling and of course poetry,” he added.
The 52-year-old actor said he considered himself the “luckiest to have had Vajpayee’s influence” on his life during his “formative years”.
“May his soul rest in peace. Will miss your smiling face Baapji,” he said.
https://twitter.com/Iamsrk33/status/1030126967717154816
Bollywood personalities paid tributes to Vajpayee, includes actors Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Rajinikanth, Vivek Oberoi and Dhanush.
Hrithik Roshan tweeted, “Met Atalji a few times in my life. Each time was special. I remember him as an extremely kind-hearted man. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPAtalBihariVaajpayee.” He also posted a couple of photos.
Singer Lata Mangeshkar, actors Boman Irani and Randeep Hooda sent their condolences. “I’m saddened to hear the demise of a great statesman Shri.Vajpayee ji. May his soul rest in peace,” wrote Rajinikanth. Amitabh said in a tweet, “An admirer of my Father’s works and vice versa; gentle nature, strong fiery in his speeches”.
“The nation will always remember (his visionary ideas and contributions),” wrote Priyanka,