Wednesday, May 25 2005 21:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (May 25, 2005) condoled the death of actor-turned-politician Sunil Dutt, remembering his "purposeful and socially relevant" roles in films and his commitment to social service and public causes.

"I am deeply shocked and grieved to learn of the untimely, sudden and sad demise of Sunil Dutt, the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and one of the celebrated film artistes of our Country," Singh said in a condolence message.

He described Dutt as a "colourful and charismatic" personality and a celebrity in the world of cinema who touched the hearts of millions of people in the Country through his purposeful and socially relevant roles in numerous films.

"Deeply influenced by our ethos and traditions, he brought to bear on his thinking and outlook the liberal, secular and Gandhian values of our society," Singh said.

The Prime Minister also recalled how Dutt, with his actress wife Nargis, organised the Ajanta Arts Welfare Troupe to entertain jawans in the border areas during the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, and how he used his artistic talent to mobilise public opinion for the fight against cancer.

On Dutt the politician, Singh said he was an eminent Parliamentarian and used Parliament as an effective forum for promoting communal harmony, a variety of social causes and youth affairs.

"In his death, the Country has lost a rare public figure, who combined the best of artistic traditions with a robust social vision," he said.