Vice President, PM condole Dara Singh's death

New Delhi, July 12 (ANI): Vice President M. Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Thursday condoled the demise of legendary wrestler, actor and former lawmaker Dara Singh.

In his condolence message, Ansari said that Dara Singh achieved laurels as a wrestler in the national and international arena and proved to be an enduring role model to the youth and sportsmen of the country.

"His acting career was most memorable for the intensity and diversity of characters that he had portrayed. His role as a nominated Member of Parliament is remembered by one and all," he said.

"My wife joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and the wide circle of his friends and admirers. We pray to the Almighty to grant them the strength and fortitude to withstand this tragedy," he added.

In his separate message, Dr. Singh said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Dara Singh, who has been an inspiration and icon to many generations in our country. A self educated son-of-the-soil, he rose to the heights of the entertainment world, sports arena and public life with humility and grace.

"His contribution to the Hindi and Punjabi cinema, wrestling and the Upper House of the Parliament will be remembered by millions. I wish to send my deepest condolences to the family of Dara Singh and to his countless admirers in India and abroad," Dr. Singh added.

Dara Singh, best known for his role as Hanuman in the television series 'Ramayan', passed away early this morning in Mumbai. He was 83.

He is survived by his wife and six children - three sons and three daughters. One of his sons, Vindu Dara Singh, is a known name in showbiz.

Dara Singh, who has over 500 professional fights to his credit, played the role of Hanuman in the television adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayan. He also worked in some television serial shows, including Had Kar Di, which was aired on Zee TV.

He has acted in over 100 films. His last Hindi movie was Jab We Met, and last Punjabi movie was Dil Apna Punjabi. (ANI)