Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM mourns demise of Shri Sunil Dutt

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the death of Shri Sunil Dutt, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports. In a condolence message, the Prime Minister said:

"I am deeply shocked and grieved to learn of the untimely, sudden and sad demise of Shri Sunil Dutt, the Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and one of the celebrated film artists of our country.

A colourful and charismatic personality and a celebrity in the world of cinema, Shri Sunil Dutt touched the hearts of millions in our country through many of his purposeful and socially relevant roles in numerous films and became a household name. 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. A highly successful actor, he acted in nearly a 100 movies, produced and directed many films and emerged as one of the well known public figures of our country having remarkable commitment to social service and public causes. Along with his charming actress wife, the late Smt. Nargis Dutt, he organised the Ajanta Arts Welfare Troupe with the blessings of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and went to remote border areas to entertain jawans after the 1962, 1965, 1971 wars. Making common cause with freedom fighters from the erstwhile East Pakistan, he led a cultural delegation to entertain the Indian Army and Mukti Bahini in 1971. A creative artist, he used artistic talent to mobilise public opinion for the fight against cancer. This was manifested in his soul stirring film, 'Dard ka Rishta', on cancer and its cure. He donated its profits to the Tata Memorial Hospital and offered the film free to Pakistan and Bangladesh for raising funds for cancer treatment. The creation of the Nargis Memorial Foundation and its establishment in India and abroad further contributed to the cause of treatment of cancer in our country. Carrying forward his commitment to fight cancer, he joined hands with Pakistan cricketer, Imran Khan. His role in awakening people's consciousness against AIDS and drug abuse,

testify to his larger social vision. He was an eminent Parliamentarian and used Parliament as an effective forum for promoting communal harmony, a variety of social causes and youth affairs. He undertook a large number of Padayatras to promote secular and humanistic values. His resignation as the Member of Parliament in protest against riots in Mumbai during 1992-93 amply proved his credentials as a man with a firm commitment to our inclusive society.

In his death, the country has lost a rare public figure, who combined the best of the artistic traditions with a robust social vision. He endeared himself to the people of our country as a great actor, patriot, conscientious citizen and a social reformer. On this sad occasion, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and to his countless admirers, associates and followers and pray that his soul may rest in peace."