Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswamy, Rajinikanth, Ilaiyaraaja condole Sridevi's death

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, actor Rajinikanth and music maestro Ilaiyaraaja were among the top personalities who today condoled the death of actor and Padma Shri awardee Sridevi.

Late actor Sridevi.

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami, actor Rajinikanth and music maestro Ilaiyaraaja were among the top personalities who today condoled the death of actor and Padma Shri awardee Sridevi.

Expressing grief over her passing away, Palaniswami said her passing away "is a huge loss not only for Tamil films but to the entire Indian film industry.

"Lauding her as a "multi-faceted acting personality," he cited her performance in Tamil movies of the late 1970's and early 1980's - '16 Vayathiniley', 'Moondram Pirai', 'Sivappu Rojakkal', 'Priya' and 'Varumayin Niram Sivappu' - as proof of her acting skills.

The Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to the next of kin of Sridevi and said he prayed that her soul rests in peace.

READ: Actress Sridevi passes away at 54 in Dubai; film fraternity, politicians and sportspersons mourn

DMK Working President M K Stalin, conveying his condolences, said "she left a mark in Tamil and other language films and I am grieved to learn of her passing away."

Actor Rajinikanth said he has lost a very close friend and that it was an irreparable loss. He expressed his condolences to her family.

"I have only a few very close friends and Sridevi was among them. I have lost her and I am personally grieved," he told reporters here.

"I could not believe it, it is very shocking, I pray that her soul rest in peace. Her passing away is a huge loss for the entire Indian film industry," Rajinikanth said.

Hailing her as a "born actor," who co-starred with him, he recalled that Sridevi used to quietly listen to the views of all behind the cameras and once in front of it, perform like "fire."

Music mastero Ilaiyaraaja said "In all of India, she was a very talented actor my deep condolences." He said he knew her as a child artiste. The renowed music composer said he had composed music for several of her films.

Ilayaraja's brother and music composer Gangai Amaran also condoled her death.

Top Tamil film director Shankar tweeted "Beautiful human being with a beautiful soul. Rest in peace."

BJP Tamil Nadu unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan tweeted "A great actress of Indian and Tamil cinema will be remembered for her excellent contribution. Saddened by the untimely demise & My condolences to her family, friends and fans."

Sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran said "the sudden death of the lady superstar of Indian cinema is shocking."

DMDK chief Vijayakanth and CPI(M) State Secretary K Balakrishnan were among the host of other leaders who condoled her demise.