Bollywood and sports celebs paid homage to Sushma Swaraj

Mumbai: Bollywood fraternity and the sportspersons including Lata Mangeshkar, Akshay Kumar, Sachin Tendulkar and Mary Kom on Wednesday condoled the death of former External Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, and added the nation lost a dynamic and honest leader.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, eminent singer Lata Mangeshkar said, ''Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about Sushma Swaraj ji's sudden demise. A graceful and honest leader,  a sensitive and selfless soul, a keen understanding of music and poetry and a dear friend. Our former external minister will be remembered fondly.''

Actor Akshay Kumar said, ''Extremely sad to hear about the passing away of #SushmaSwaraj ji...she was such a dynamic leader, someone who was unanimously admired and respected by all. My thoughts and prayers with her family. May her soul rest in peace''.

Kangana Ranaut said, ''It's a shocking and unsettling news, the nation has lost an icon of woman empowerment and a great leader. The entire country will be mourning this loss."

Olympic boxer Mary Kom said,''Deeply grieved to hear the demise of Smt #SushmaSawraj ji. My condolences to her family in this hour of grief. May her departed soul Rest In Peace. #RIPSushmaSwaraj''.

Former Indian international cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said, ''Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Sushma Swaraj Ji. May her soul rest in peace.She was an icon of women empowerment and the one who cared for citizens from all corners of the world.''

Raveena Tandon said,''Shocked and completely gutted to hear of the sudden demise of #SushmaSwaraj ji.She was a great leader,an astute stateswoman,above all a kindhearted person.Loved by all.Deepest condolences to her family & loved ones.Prayers for her soul. Om Shanti #RIPSushmaJi''.

Arjun Kapoor said, ''India has lost its extraordinary leader, minister and personality.. May God bless her soul #SushmaSwaraj''.Ayushmann Khurrana said,''#SushmaSwaraj ji, may your soul rest in peace.''

Vivek Anand Oberoi said,''An Iron Lady who was not only a true patriot but an incredible inspiration for each and every one of us. An epitome of women empowerment and leadership.#SushmaSwaraj ji you will be missed and remembered forever. My deepest condolences and prayers to the family #RIPSushmaJi''.

Adnan Sami said,''My family & I are in complete shock to learn the tragic news of dear Sushma ji's sudden demise. She was a motherly figure for all of us; an extremely respected stateswoman; exceptional orator & a very loving, caring & warm soul. Will miss her dearly.#sushmaswaraj #RIPSushmaJi''.

Himansh Kohli said,''I'm devastated to come across this disheartening news. @SushmaSwaraj Ji was a channel of positivity and advancement in the country's political system. The improvements she made and the effectiveness she got is par excellence. The country has lost a gem today! #RIPSushmaJi''.

Vicky Kaushal said,''#RIPSushmaJi India and Indians across the globe will surely miss you.''Sophie Choudry said,''Extremely sad to hear of the demise of #sushmaswaraj ji. An absolute powerhouse yet seemed so warm & humble! Poised & dignified, she was a leader I admired. Thank you for all your years of service to this nation. Rest in Peace #RIPSushmaJi''.

Manish Malhotra said,''Deeply saddened and moved by the demise of #sushmaswarajji.She will be always be remembered as a strong political personality who always thought for the welfare people.''

Kajal Aggarwal said,''Heart felt condolences to the family and loved ones of #SushmaSwarajji, our former external affairs minister. RIP.''

Rakul Preet said,''India has lost a great leader !! She was loved and respected! RIP ma'am #SushmaSwarajji''.Swaraj expired last night following massive cardiac arrest here.(UNI)