Latest Reactions on the Death of Actor Farooq Sheikh

As veteran actor Farooq Sheikh passed away early on Saturday in Dubai due to a heart attack, his well-wishers from throughout the country paid their condolences.

Sheikh was an actor not just best known for his contribution to Parallel Cinema in Satyajit Ray's "Shatranj Ke Khiladi", but also for being an 'avid reader' and hulk of knowledge.

In Indian Cinema, he is famous for his comic timing in 1981 rom-com "Chasme Buddoor". He last appeared in the movie "Club 60" as husband of another veteran actress Sarika. He also played host in a popular celebrity talk show called 'Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai'. Sheikh would do an in-depth research to get to know his celebrity guests on the show and invite people from their past.

Below are some of the latest reactions to his death

Kapil Sibal, Sheikh's friend and Union Law Minister: "Farooq Sheikh: true friend, gentleman,,with his head and heart in the right place,who loved his country.A void none other can fill.Miss you."

Madhur Bhandarkar, Filmmaker: "Farooq ji will remain in our hearts always. He was the symbol of the young middle class man."

Omar Abdullah, J&K Chief Minister: "Only ever met him once & didn't actually know him but he was an amazingly polite gentleman. Very pleasant encounter. RIP Farooq Sheikh Sahib"

Prakash Javadekar, BJP leader: "It is shocking. He was a thorough gentleman. Through his characters and ability he was loved by millions."

Raj Babbar, veteran actor and Congress MP: "Farooq Sheikh was a brilliant human being and a fine actor. It is a personal loss for me and for all of the Bollywood."

Rajiv Shukla, former tv host and Congress MP: "I don't think we will get another actor like Farooq Sheikh. It's a big loss."

Gen Vijay Kumar Singh: "Farooq Sheikh was a great friend and an excellent  actor. My heartfelt condolences ."

Manish Tewari, Congress leader: "Farooq Sheikh was a versatile actor whose performances were  sterling and scintillating. In his untimely death we hv lost yet another jewel."

Javed Akhtar, MP and lyricist: "He was an avid reader who used to recommend books every time we met," he told NDTV.

Suresh Oberoi, veteran actor: "Its come as a shock. He (Farooq Sheikh) was a genius and a gem of a person. He is irreplaceable."

Vani Tripathi Tikoo, actress and BJP spokesperson: "Very sad news our dear pal farookh sheikh no more! Someone who defined cinema differently and stood for brilliance of talent will be missed! The last time I met farookh Bhai we spoke politics and he extensively discussed the change india needs and hoped for it can't believe!RIP. A man of great talent and poetry also spoke to me about artists contributing to politics and how the industry needs to be more involved!"

Smriti Z Irani, former actress and BJP leader: "RIP Farooq Sheikh. Immensely talented, extremely courteous. A thorough gentleman."

Sudheendra Kulkarni, Sheikh's friend and socio-political author: "FarooqSheikh was a great actor. As a human being, he was greater. Humanist, patriotic & secular to the core. My condolences to his family 2"

A rare interview of Farooq Sheikh about his journey in the Bollywood industry