Calling it a "dark day" and an "inexplicable loss", celebrities, including Rajinikanth and Dulquer Salmaan, mourned the death of DMK president M. Karunanidhi.
Karunanidhi, one of the most charismatic figures of Tamil Nadu politics, died at a hospital in Chennai on Tuesday after prolonged illness. He was 94.
"The death of Kalaignar is an unforgettable, dark day in my life. May his soul rest in peace," said Rajinikanth, who himself is taking his first steps in Tamil Nadu politics.
Rajinikanth also urged the state government to take all measures to ensure that the late DMK chief has a place near Anna memorial at Marina beach. “This would be the highest respect we would be paying to him. This is my humble request,” he was quoted saying.
Actor Dulquer Salmaan tweeted, "End of an era! Kalaignar was such an essential part of the fabric of Chennai and Tamil Nadu. All of us who've lived there will feel an inexplicable loss. RIP."
End of an era ! Kalaignar was such an essential part of the fabric of Chennai and Tamil Nadu. All of us who've lived there will feel an inexplicable loss. RIP
— dulquer salmaan (@dulQuer) August 7, 2018
Another era comes to an end #RIPKalaignar, tweeted Trisha Krishnan.
Another era.Another end.Tamizh cinema will truly miss you❤️ #RIPKalaignar pic.twitter.com/wM4rGD6LdL
— Trish Krish (@trishtrashers) August 7, 2018
Actor Riteish Deshmukh remembered Karunanidhi as one of the tallest leaders of the country.
"Today India has lost one of its tallest leaders. Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. His contribution to the state of Tamil Nadu, its people has been immense. True Champion of Tamil pride. RIP Sir," he wrote on Twitter.
Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar posted a picture with Karunanidhi.
"This was the last pic, I had taken with him a little over a month ago...never knew this will be the last time I will be seeing the great Leader..will miss you Appa," she captioned the picture.
This was the last pic I had taken with him a little over a month ago..never knew this will be the last time I will be seeing the great Leader..will miss you Appa.. pic.twitter.com/9LJexC5EZ4
— khushbusundar..and it's NAKHAT KHAN for the BJP.. (@khushsundar) August 7, 2018
Actor Kichcha Sudeepa said Karunanidhi will always be remembered for his amazing personality and his contribution to Tamil Nadu.
“Deeply saddened 2 hear dat our iconic leader #KalaignarKarunanidhi ayya is no more An irreplaceable leader. Nobody cn match his contribution n politics and cinema.My deepest condolences 2 his family n his followers. RIP,” tweeted Vishal. He also made an appeal to Tamil Nadu government to allot space at Marina beach for the burial of Karunanidhi. “Kalaignar Ayya definitely deserves a place in Marina Beach for his contribution and being a leader for a Political party for 50 years. I hereby request the Tamilnadu Government to take all efforts possible to allot space in Marina for Kalaignar Ayya's burial #MarinaForKalaignar,” he said in another tweet.
"Deeply grieved at passing of Kalaignar avl. His place in TN history is distinct & he's inspired countless to follow their calling in cinema & politics. His loss is irreplacable. My heartfelt condolences to his family&legions of followers. May his soul RIP," tweeted Gautami.
(with PTI inputs)