Death of Sunil Dutt sends shock waves across country

New Delhi, Thursday (UNI) - A galaxy of political leaders and people from all walks of life mourned the demise of veteran actor and Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sunil Dutt in Mumbai. The Tricolour was lowered to half-mast and the Government declared a one-day state mourning following Dutt's death.

President A P J Abdul Kalam - in St Petersburg, Russia on a State visit-while hailing Mr Dutt's 'significant contributions in the field of arts and public life' said in a condolence message to the actor's son Sanjay Dutt, ''I was shocked to learn about the sudden and untimely demise of your father.

May his soul rest in peace. Kindly accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the rest of the members of your family.''

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said,'' I am deeply shocked and grived to learn of the untimely, sudden and sad demise of Mr Sunil Dutt, the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs and one of the celebrated film artists of our country.''

Describing Dutt ''a colourful and charismatic personality'' Dr Singh said Dutt touched the hearts of millions in our country through many of his purposeful and social relevant roles in Bollywood movies.

An emergency meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Dr Manmohan Singh passed a condolence resolution, describing the late actor as a ''tireless champion of secular values'' who showed ''courage in rising above narrow political interests in his effort to secure amity between various groups.''

Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed deep shock over the death of the actor, describing him as a ''truly secular man.'' ''It is a terrible shock...an unexpected development. Mr Dutt played a promising role in Indian politics and Indian cinema,'' she said to reporters at her residence.

Ms Gandhi said Dutt always stood for secular principles and recalled how he stood by Ms Indira Gandhi after she faced an electoral defeat in 1977.

Ms Gandhi said Dutt was working very hard in his ministry.

''He was one of the leaders who enthused us to undertake the Dandi March recently,'' she added.