Tributes are pouring in for India’s former Foreign Minister Arun Jaitley, who passed away on Saturday, as politicians, celebrities, and Bollywood stars mourn the loss of the popular minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the eulogies, tweeting about the “unbreakable bond” his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) party had with his “valued friend” and “political giant” Jaitley, who he said was “full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma.” He also praised his “impeccable knowledge about India’s Constitution, history, public policy, governance and administration.”
Bollywood stars also joined millions of Indians in taking to social media to share their condolences. Actress Gul Panag said she was saddened to hear about the “loss to the country,” writing that she had always admired his eloquence. Actor Riteish Deshmukh said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, while Anil Kapoor reminisced about meeting Jaitley 20 years ago. Darun Dhawan thanked him for everything and said he would be missed.
Veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar also shared photographs of herself with the “dynamic leader,” who she said was a “thorough gentleman.”
Jaitley, who was 66, served in Modi’s government until 2019 but didn’t run in the May elections due to poor health. He had a kidney transplant in 2018 and had a triple heart bypass surgery when he was 52.
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