December 10, 2001

        The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Smt. Sushma Swaraj has expressed deep sorrow at the death of veteran film actor Ashok Kumar who passed away in Mumbai today. Paying glowing tributes to the legendary actor, Smt. Swaraj said that Ashok Kumar played some very meaningful roles in films like Bandini, Achut Kanya, Ashirwad and Meri Surat Teri Ankhen. Over the years, the great actor had acquired an undying presence and lives in popular consciousness as ‘Dada Moni’, the grand old man of Hindi films. The death of Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner has caused a void in the Indian cinema, which would be very difficult to fill, Smt. Swaraj said.