India mourns the death of charismatic actor Vinod Khanna

While Bollywood superstar and one of his co-actors in many films Amitabh Bachchan rushed to his place leaving an interview, actor Rishi Kapoor, who was a close friend and had played the loving brother to actor in iconic films like Amar Akbar Antony, changed his own picture in Twitter handle with that of Khanna.

He also posted several pictures of their films together. "Remembering the good times with you,Vinod. Thank you for being my friend Will miss you Amar. RIP." posted Kapoor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Will always remember Vinod Khanna as a popular actor, dedicated leader & a wonderful human. Pained by his demise. My condolences."

Cricketer Virender Sehwag tweeted: “Heartfelt (sic) condolences on the passing away of one of the most charismatic actors #VinodKhanna ji. Om Shanti!"

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar expressing condolences posted: "Sad to learn about the passing away of #VinodKhanna Sir,one of the most charismatic actors...truly end of an era.Condolences to the family."

Bollywood trade analyst Taran Adarsh posted:  "Charming. Talented. Humble... RIP #VinodKhanna... End of an era... You will be missed, Sir... Heartfelt condolences."

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley condoled the death posting: "Condolences on sad demise of veteran actor & BJP MP Shri #VinodKhanna ji, may God render peace to the departed soul & solace to his family."

Congress President  Sonia Gandhi has condoled the death of Vinod Khanna who was also a parliamentarian.

"Vinodji had a profound influence over the masses by his simple & charismatic character," she said in a statement, expressing  I solidarity with  Khanna’s family.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted a picture of Khanna on her Facebook and wrote: "I am deeply pained that such a golden star in the galaxy of cinema and entertainment is lost forever."

Khanna was undergoing treatment at the HN Reliance Foundation and Research Centre at Girgaum.

Khanna, who in his is long Bollywood career through 1970s and 1980s  worked in more than 100 films, was a Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Punjab.

He is  survived by his wife Kavita Khanna, sons Rahul, Akshaye and Sakshi, and daughter Shraddha Khanna.

Khanna, who initially appeared in negative roles, later starred in many films taking the lead role. He made his film debut in 1968  with Mann Ka Meet.

His performances received acclaim in  films like Mere Apne, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Imtihaan, Inkaar, Amar Akbar Anthony, Lahu ke Do Rang, Qurbani, Dayavaan, Jurm, Insaaf and Satyamev Jayate.

Vinod Khanna received the Filmfare award in the best supporting actor category for Haath Ki Safaai, and in 1999 he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. In  2007 he won a lifetime achievement award at the Zee Cine Awards.

Khanna was member of the Osho Rajneesh cult.

A member of the BJP, he was the sitting MP from Gurdaspur (between 1998-2009 and from 2014).