Veteran actor, writer, playwright, director and Jnanpith Awardee Girish Karnad died at the age of 81 in Bengaluru on June 10.

Celebrities and politicians alike condoled his passing.

Our cultural world is poorer today: President Ram Nath Kovind

“Sad to hear of the passing of Girish Karnad, writer, actor and doyen of Indian theatre. Our cultural world is poorer today. My condolences to his family and to the many who followed his work,” tweeted President Ram Nath Kovind.

Saddened by his demise, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the death on Karnad. On June 10, he tweeted, “Girish Karnad will be remembered for his versatile acting across all mediums. He also spoke passionately on causes dear to him. His works will continue being popular in the years to come.”

We lost a cultural ambassador, says Karnataka CM

In Karnad's death, we lost a cultural ambassador, wrote Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in his condolence message. "His outstanding contribution to literature, theatre and films will always be remembered," he added.

His scripts both awe and inspire me: Kamal Haasan

He stood out for his commitment to social upliftment: Sitaram Yechury

Girish Karnad was one of modern India's treasures, wrote CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury, adding that the veteran playwright had stood out for his commitment to social upliftment, equality and secularism.

"It is a huge personal loss too," wrote Mr. Yechury on Twitter.

Sushma calls Karnad’s death a ‘huge loss to the art world’

India will miss his views and artistic contribution: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter to express his condolences on Karnad's passing. "Girish ji's views and artistic contribution will be missed by the country," he wrote.

Chandrashekhar Kambar, president, Sahitya Akademi said he lost a “very intimate friend” in Karnad.

“He was my colleague. We wrote plays in a very competent manner. He came all the way from Bombay and acted in my play ‘Jokumaraswamy’ When he got the Jnanpith Award I celebrated, when I got one he celebrated. I’m very sad,” Kambar told PTI.

Choreographer-actor Prabhu Deva recalls working with him in his 1984 film “Kadhlan” directed by S Shankar.

“He was such a nice person, intelligent and incredibly humble. He was so talented, (he was) the smartest. I still remember shooting the film with him. I remember meeting him often at airports. He always surprised me with his humility,” Prabhu Dheva told PTI.

Bollywood pays tribute

Actor Sonam Kapoor wrote on Twitter, “Rest in peace. I loved his work.”

The influence of Karnad’s work was massive and spread across a generation of artistes from veteran star Kamal Haasan to the younger, actor Ali Fazal said.

“One of my first big production at the Doon School, was #GirishKarnad’s ‘Hayavadana’ A masterpiece that I got to perform. I remember it so vividly. An extraordinary man. He will be remembered for his unique sense of style and persona. In writing in acting and in life,” Fazal wrote on Twitter.

Actor Tisca Chopra recalled how conversations with Karnad on theatre and writing have had a huge impact on her life.

“Deeply saddened at the passing of #GirishKarnad... He was kind to let me rent his house in #Bandra when I first came to Mumbai. Spent many evenings chatting with him about theatre and writing... Those chats had a deep impact on my choices at work.. #RIP dear friend. You will be missed,” she tweeted.

Actor Shruti Haasan also took to Twitter and wrote, “May you rest in peace Girish Karnad sir. Your talent humour and sharp intellect will be missed.”

Actor Siddharth tweeted, “Rest in peace great sir. #GirishKarnad.”