The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of the legendary film maker, Shri Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Expressing his grief at the demise of Shri Mukherjee, the Prime Minister said:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of film maker Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Shri Hrishikesh Mukherjee was a humane and socially conscious film maker who was deeply committed to family values in the films he made. Through wit and humour, he not only entertained his audiences but also educated them. His work became a symbol of the values and aspirations of a new, liberal and modern India. The catholicity of his spirit and his liberal humanism enabled him to reach out to a diverse and varied audience. I hope future generations of film makers will be inspired by him to provide wholesome entertainment to their audiences.

I join millions of his fans in conveying my sincere condolences to his family and friends."