Rajnath, Jaitley, Sonia condole actor-politician Vinod Khanna's death

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday took to Twitter to express condolence over veteran actor-politician Vinod Khanna's demise, adding that he had carved a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians.

"Shri Vinod Khanna had an illustrious career in films and politics. He carved a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians," Rajnath tweeted.

"With the demise of Vinod Khannaji the people of India have lost a fabulous actor and sensitive politician. May his soul rest in peace."

Khanna, sitting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Gurdaspur, has been famous for his personality and exemplary work in movies like 'Achaanak', 'Qurbani', and 'Amar Akbar Anthony'.

Union Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted. "Condolences on sad demise of veteran actor & BJP MP Shri #VinodKhanna ji, may God render peace to the departed soul & solace to his family. Shri #VinodKhanna ji was a great actor and a gentleman politician - will miss him."

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also condoled the sad demise of the veteran film actor.

Remembering him as a gifted actor, who dominated the silver screen with his outstanding persona, Sonia Gandhi said that Vinodji had a rare and profound influence over the masses by his simple and charismatic character. She also expressed solidarity with Khanna's family and prayed for the departed soul.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari also mourned the loss of the actor-politician.

"I deeply mourn the demise of senior @BJP4India parliamentarian Vinod Khanna, a versatile film personality and a great human being," Gadkari tweeted.

Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani tweeted, "Heard about the sad demise of Vinod Khannaji. Kind, considerate, a legend in his own right. Had the honour of producing a series with him."

Earlier, in a tragic blow to the Indian film industry, Bollywood icon Vinod Khanna breathed his last on Thursday noon.

The veteran actor was hospitalised and later discharged from HN Reliance Foundation and Research Centre in Girgaum, Mumbai due to severe dehydration. He was also reportedly battling cancer for years.

Vinod Khanna appeared in 141 films between 1968 and 2013 and also forayed into politics by joining the BJP. He was Minister of State for Tourism and Culture in 2002.