Top stars of Tamil cinema Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have condoled the death of Bollywood veteran actor Dev Anand. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa has also expressed his shock over the legendary star's demise.

In a statement, Rajini and his family members said: 'Devanandji... We had the proud privilege of taking your blessings, shaking hands and giving you a hug as we humbly offered ‘The Legend’ award to you two years ago. All of us here who were part of that event are so moved today. We salute your zest for life and your spirited energy for work. You will always stay in our hearts. We love you so so much and miss you too too much.'

Kamal Haasan said in message: 'I got an SMS this morning that said ‘Anand has passed away’. I felt my happiness had gone. I would say he died young. He extremely bubbly and full of life He was a very stylish actor. He wanted me to act in a movie on cricket but sadly, it never happened. He proved that retirement is death and worked till his last days. If he had been alive, he would have definitely completed one film in the next year.'

Jayalalithaa said: 'The universally popular evergreen hero of 'Hum Dono', 'Kala Pani', 'Guide' and so many other much acclaimed movies was the epitome of Indian pride and sensibility.'

She further said: 'Dev Anand charted his own course on the silver screen and was an institution by himself. A most versatile actor, his footprints on Indian cinema are indelible.'