Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a great patron of Bollywood

Leaving the entire country in mourning, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India passed away at the age of 93 on 16th August 2018. The veteran politician was admitted to AIIMS, Delhi last month due to some health complications. Apart from being a dynamic political figure in the country, Vajpayeeji was also a great poet and it was perhaps for this very reason that he immensely loved every art-form.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a great patron of Bollywood. From gracing Filmfare Awards with his presence to sharing a laugh with stars on many occasions, many Bollywood stars have been fortunate enough to have the pleasure of his company. Actress Waheeda Rehman was quite close to him and respected him like a father figure. However, Vajpayeeji’s favorite heroine from Bollywood was the dream girl, Hema Malini.

He was a huge fan of the beautiful actress and 'Seeta Aur Geeta' was one of his favorite Bollywood films. He claimed to have seen the blockbuster over 25 times. He also loved Raj Kapoor’s 'Teesri Kasam', released in 1966 which also won a National award. He was quite fond of the song ‘Kabhie Kabhie Mere Dil Main’.

While the news has left the entire nation in mourning, Bollywood stars have also been expressing their grief through their social media accounts.

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An admirer of my Father's works and vice versa ; gentle nature, strong fiery in his speeches pic.twitter.com/KtH9HEABkd

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) August 16, 2018

Priyanka Chopra tweeted, “Former Prime Minister Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee's visionary ideas and contributions for India were truly remarkable. The nation will always remember...#RIP
My thoughts and condolences to the family."

RIP #AtalBihariVaajpayeeJi .. you will be remembered as one of India’s greatest leaders, as an exemplary statesman, as a tour de force for peace and unity and most of all as a genuine, warm, approachable human being.

— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) August 16, 2018

Parineeti Chopra tweeted, "My growing up years were spent under the country leadership of #AtalBihariVajpayee. And so for me, all memories of any prime minister are always compared to him !! He's going to live forever in our hearts."

For The Poet Prime Minister of our country, love you Baapji...https://t.co/IKTYouMdiy pic.twitter.com/kLO4JAHvNu

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) August 16, 2018

Sanjay Dutt's tweet said, “Indeed a big loss for our country as we pay our last tribute to #AtalBihariVajpayee ji. He was a close family friend and his legacy will forever be remembered. Thank you for your selfless service, sir! My heartfelt condolence to everyone.”

Mrigaya Dham