Dilip Kumar a shining star who enriched the film industry: Uddhav Thackeray

Dilip Kumar. File Pic

Condoling the death of thespian Dilip Kumar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said he was the shining star who enriched the Indian film industry.

Thackeray also announced that Kumar will be accorded a state funeral and issued instructions regarding the same.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar also expressed his tribute on the passing away of the 'Aan' actor.

'Mughal-E- Azam' only film I watched: Koshyari

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari described Kumar as the 'Mahanayak' of his generation, adding the actor's 'Mughal-E- Azam' remains the only film he has watched. In a condolence message, Koshyari said, "Dilip Kumar was the first superstar of Indian cinema. He represented the golden era of Indian films. So fascinated I was by his Mughal-E- Azam that I saw the film back-to-back twice. Unfortunately, I didn't watch any films thereafter and Mughal-E- Azam remained the first and the last film I watched."

Also Read: Dilip Kumar's passing away a loss to our cultural world: PM Narendra Modi

"Dilip Kumar was a legend. Nobody can take his place. To me he was a Mahanayak. I pay my respects to the memory of the departed soul and convey my deepest condolences to Smt Saira Bano and numerous admirers of Shri Dilip Kumar," Koshyari added.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that Dilip Kumar's demise has shattered the 'beacon of Indian Cinema' and the country has lost a great artist of the century.

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Aaditya Thackeray also paid his tribute to the veteran actor. He tweeted, "Paid our respects to the legend, Dilip Kumar Saheb. He will be accorded state honours today."

Former Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis remembered how "we grew up watching his films" and the patriotic roles enacted by the versatile actor in films like "Kranti" and "Karma" are unforgettable. "He was a World Record holder for winning the maximum number of awards as an actor I had the privilege to honour him with the 'Padma Vibhushan' at his home (in Dec. 2015). History of Indian Cinema will fondly remember him forever," said Fadnavis.

Congress leader and former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan in a series of tweets praised the contribution of Kumar to Indian cinema and many of his iconic characters will be remembered forever.

BJP's Leader of Opposition (Council) Pravin Darekar said that known for his inspiring performances, Dilip Kumar will be "missed not only by his Bollywood fans but people all over the world". State Samajwadi Party President Abu Asim Azmi said that Dilip Saab was "not only a great actor, but an excellent human being" who was always at the forefront in serving people in society.

Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole, BJP State President Chandrakant Patil, Maha Vikas Aghadi government Ministers Eknath Shinde, Balasaheb Thorat, Nawab Malik and others recalled his sterling contributions to the film fraternity and society at large and condoled his wife Saira Banu Khan. Farmers' activist and Shiv Sena leader Kishore Tiwari, according to MoS status, said that "Dilip Kumar's passing marks the end of a glorious era". "Whenever the future generations think about him, they will find it hard to believe that there was a great, talented personality Dilip Kumar in the film world," said Tiwari emotionally.

Kumar's last rites will be held at the Juhu Muslim Cemetery in Santacruz West, around 5 pm on Wednesday.

(with inputs from Agencies)