Bollywood mourns loss of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shah Rukh Khan writes letter for 'Baapji'

As the country mourns the loss of a great national leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, after his demise on August 16, 2018, Bollywood celebrities took to their respective social media handles to express their sorrow. Bollywood A-listers like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt were among the first few who sent out a personalised message at the loss of a fond leader with whom Indians connected the most. 

Shah Rukh took to his Instagram profile to share a long letter, revealing his connect with Vajpayee, having worked with him several years back. He wrote: "My father use to take me for every speech that Mr Vajpayee made in Delhi when I was growing up. Years on I had the opportunity to meet him and spend lots of time discussing poetry, films, politics and our ailing knees. I also had the privilege of enacting one of his poems for the screen. He was fondly addressed as 'Baapji' at home.” 

He went on to address Vajpayee as “a father figure and a great leader”. Shah Rukh called it the “loss of a part of childhood and growing up memories of learning, smiling and of course poetry.”

The letter continues: "Today the country has lost a Father Figure and a great leader. Personally, I have lost a part of my childhood and growing up memories of learning, smiling and of course poetry. I consider myself the luckiest to have had his influence on my life during my formative years. May his soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Will miss your smiling face Baapji."

Shah Rukh captioned the post: "For The Poet Prime Minister of our country, love you Baapji..."

Amitabh also took to his Twitter and tweeted: "Atal Bihari Vajpai (1924 - 2018) भावपूर्ण श्रधांजलि एक महान नेता, प्रख्यात कवि, अद्भुत वक्ता व प्रवक्ता, मिलनसार व्यक्तित्व। बाबूजी के प्रशंसक, और बाबूजी उनके..An admirer of my Father's works and vice versa gentle nature, strong fiery in his speeches."

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth called Vajpayee “a great statesman”. "I am saddened to hear the demise of a great statesman Shri Vajpayee ji. May his soul rest in peace," he tweeted. 

Sanjay Dutt called Vajpayee's death “a big loss” for the country. "He was a close family friend and his legacy will forever be remembered. Thank you for your selfless service, sir. My heartfelt condolences to everyone," he added.

Vajpayee was announced dead by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted on June 11 with a variety of ailments.