RIP Kalaignar: Indian film industry pays tribute to DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi

The Indian film fraternity, led by megastar Rajinikanth, on Tuesday paid rich tributes to DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi, an erudite writer and political stalwart who went from scripting films to drawing out the political narrative of Tamil Nadu. Actor turned politician Rajinikanth, in a tweet, said that Karunanidhi's day of death is an "unforgettable black day in my life".

நாம் பெரிதும் மதிக்கும் மரியாதைக்குரிய பெரியவர் டாக்டர் கலைஞர் அவர்களுக்கு என்னுடைய மனமார்ந்த பிறந்தநாள் நல் வாழ்த்துக்கள்.. pic.twitter.com/yATOszwSwJ

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) June 3, 2018

From veterans to young talent, from the southern movie world to the Hindi film industry, people were united in mourning the death of the litterateur, whose movies like "Parasakthi", "Panam" and "Thangarathnam" were among those that espoused the ideologies of the Dravidian movement.

A tearful farewell #Karunanidhi #RIPKarunanidhi pic.twitter.com/7ifwavuFiH

— Lokpria (@Lokpria) August 7, 2018

Writer-director Koratala Siva tweeted: "A long meaningful journey comes to an end. Rest in peace Kalaignar. I join the people of Tamil Nadu in mourning the demise of the senior most leader M. Karunanidhi."

A long long meaningful journey comes to an end. Rest in peace kalaignar. I join the people of tamil nadu in mourning the demise of the senior most leader Dr.M.karunanidhi #RIPKalaignar

— koratala siva (@sivakoratala) August 7, 2018

As a major controversy erupted on Tuesday night after the Tamil Nadu government declined DMK's request to allot space for burying the mortal remains of Karunanidhi near party founder C.N. Annadurai's memorial at the Marina Beach, actor Siddharth urged the people to keep petty politics out of the matter. "The last Tamil titan has fallen. Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was an incomparable man. TamilNadu has lost at once its greatest contemporary political and creative enigma.

The Last #Tamil Titan has fallen. Former TN CM #MKarunanidhi was an incomparable man. #TamilNadu has lost at once its greatest contemporary political and creative enigma. Our beautiful language #Tamil will miss #Kalaignar #Karunanidhi This void he has left will take ages to fill.

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) August 7, 2018

"Our beautiful language Tamil will miss Kalaignar Karunanidhi. This void he has left will take ages to fill," Siddharth wrote. He urged the state government to "make it the last Marina memorial". "Have some respect and be responsible. This is not the time to play petty politics."

Last straw move by #EPS and #OPS after the ordeal they have already put us through. Give #Kalaignar his place next to #Anna If you must have your way make it the last #Marina memorial. Have some respect and be responsible. This is not the time to play petty politics. #TamilNadu

— Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) August 7, 2018

Actress Nagma said his passing away is an irreparable loss to the nation. "He lead the Dravidian movement wth a lot of personal integrity and provided social cohesion to the Tamilian cause through his far-sighted leadership and administrative skills."

His passing away is an irreparable loss 2the Nation. He lead the Dravidian movement wth a lot of Personel integrity & provided social cohesion 2the Tamilian cause through his far sighted leadership and administrative skills @mkstalin @RahulGandhi @sushmitadevmp

— Nagma Morarji (@nagma_morarji) August 7, 2018

Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha said "India has lost a prominent, distinguished leader of the masses, Kalaignar".

With the demise of DMK Supremo & former CM of Tamil Nadu, M.Karunanidhi, India has lost a prominent, distinguished leader of the masses, Kalaignar. Sad that we have lost a valuable leader whose commitment & leadership qualities were such that he served as CM of TN 5 times....1>2

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) August 7, 2018

"His contribution to cinema and politics is impressive and he shall continue to remain in our hearts."

...His contribution to cinema & politics is impressive & he shall continue to remain in our hearts. My prayers & deepest condolences are with the family, supporters & well wishers in their traumatic grief. RIP🙏

— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) August 7, 2018

Actress Samantha Akkineni said Karunanidhi's death marked "the end of an era". "Over six decades. Did the impossible. Will forever be remembered," Samantha wrote of his unstinted dedication to his state and the country. Actor-producer Nivin Pauly called him a "strong leader, a great writer and a simple human being", while Telugu film actor Manoj Kumar Manchu wrote: "Respect to Karunanidhi Garu and his contribution to the state and Tamil literature". For composer G.V. Prakash Kumar, Karunanidhi's death has marked the end of "an era of politics, an era of leadership, and an era of writing". Actor Riteish Deshmukh, son of late Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, wrote: "Today, India has lost one of its tallest leaders. Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhiji.

Today India has lost one of its tallest leaders. Deeply saddened by the passing away of Kalaignar Karunanidhi ji. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones 🙏🏽 His contribution to the state of Tamil Nadu, its people has been immense. True Champion of Tamil pride. RIP Sir.

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) August 7, 2018

"His contribution to the state of Tamil Nadu, its people has been immense. True champion of Tamil pride. RIP Sir." Young actress Priya Prakash Varrier wrote: "The Son of the Sun has set, never to rise again....RIP Kalaignar."

The Son of the Sun has set, never to rise again....#RIPKalaignar#RipKarunanidhi pic.twitter.com/7zyBdEoQ9u

— Priya Prakash Varrier (@priyapvarrier) August 7, 2018

Actress Hansika called him "one of the best leaders the country has ever witnessed". "I hope God gives courage and hope to the family member and fellow Tamilians to cope with this huge loss," she added. Singer-composer Adnan Sami too extended heartfelt condolences, saying Karunanidhi was a giant.

Saddened to learn the news of the passing away of Kalaignar Muthuvel Karunanidhi ji. My heartfelt condolences to the family and the people of Tamil Nadu. He was a giant. May he rest in peace.🙏#RIPKalaignar pic.twitter.com/2C6XDlvv61

— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) August 7, 2018

Popular actor R. Madhavan described Karunanidhi as the "most dynamic leader".

Saddened hearing the demise of one of this Nations Most dynamic leader and writer. May his soul Rest In Peace. Condolences to the entire party,family and supporters. pic.twitter.com/8cayC1tCAD

— Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) August 7, 2018