Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Demise: Shahrukh Khan Reminisces How He Used To Discuss Ailing Knees With Him

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Celebrities including Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth and Sanjay Dutt are devastated with the news of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's demise. His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted on June 11 with a variety of ailments.

Shahrukh Khan shared a heart-touching note on Instagram that reads, "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 screen. He was fondly addressed as 'Baapji' at home.

"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," added Shahrukh.

Amitabh Bachchan also took to the micro-blogging site 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.

Actor 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.