Bollywood mourns APJ Abdul Kalam's demise

Celebrities like Lata Mangeshkar, Shah Rukh Khan and A R Rahman mourned the demise of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, calling his death a great loss to the country.

Kalam, who served as the 11th President from 2002 to 2007 and came to be known as 'People's President', died today after he collapsed during a lecture at IIM Shillong. He was 83.

Four-time National Award-winning composer Rahman said the country lost an "inspiring mind".

Bollywood's evergreen voice Mangeshkar also took to Facebook to pay her condolence.

Superstar Shah Rukh, also condemning Gurdaspur terrorist attack, tweeted, "So sad to hear about the Gurdaspur terror attack and now the news of Dr Kalam's demise. May Allah bring peace upon all."

So sad to hear about the Gurdaspur terror attack & now the news of Dr. Kalam's demise. May Allah bring peace upon all.

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) July 27, 2015

Actor Ajay Devgn too expressed condolences on Twitter.

Sad to hear about the loss of our only peoples president - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Big loss to not just our nation but the whole world.

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) July 27, 2015

"I just got this news. It is a very sad moment for us. I think he has left behind good values for us. And the way he led his life was exemplary. The way he thought, the way he spoke, the way he lived... all that should be a torchlight guiding us and we should keep him alive in our hearts," said Rajya Sabha MP and Bollywood screenwriter- lyricist Javed Akhtar, who was in Delhi.

Actor Varun Dhawan and Anupam Kher wrote on Twitter too. 

"A visionary passes away" Abdul Kalam a brilliant mind and soul. His book Wings Of Fire is a must for every youth of our country.

— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) July 27, 2015

So sad to know about d passing away of Dr. Abdul Kalam. It is a loss not only for India but for d entire world. Such greatness is a rarity.

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) July 27, 2015

Had the opportunity of meeting & interacting with Dr. Kalam at several occasions. His infectious smile was enough to inspire millions. #Sad

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) July 27, 2015

I was one of the lucky ones to receive my PadamaShri from Dr. Kalam. He made it extra special for me. He will always remain my inspiration.

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) July 27, 2015

Thank you Dr. Kalam for your wisdom, for your inspirational life, for your generosity, for your patriotism & for your teachings. #MyHero

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) July 27, 2015