Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, top stars of Kollywood Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have condoled the death of Bollywood's evergreen romantic hero Dev Anand on Sunday.

"The universally popular evergreen hero of 'Hum Dono', 'Kala Pani', 'Guide' and so many other much acclaimed movies was the epitome of Indian pride and sensibility," Jayalaltihaa said in a statement. The Chief Minister said the actor "charted his own course on the silver screen and was an institution by himself. A most versatile actor, his footprints on Indian cinema are indelible."

Rajinikanth and his family members said in a message: "Devanandji... We had the proud privilege of taking your blessings, shaking hands and giving you a hug as we humbly offered ‘The Legend’ award to you two years ago. All of us here who were part of that event are so moved today. We salute your zest for life and your spirited energy for work. You will always stay in our hearts. We love you so so much and miss you too too much."

Kamal said, "I felt my happiness had gone when I got an SMS that said ‘Anand has gone’. I would say he died young. Mentally, he was a bubbly, bouncing ball. He was a very stylish actor."