PM, Bollywood mourn Yash Chopra's death

New Delhi, Oct 21 : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today led the nation in condoling the death of veteran film-maker Yash Chopra, describing him as an “icon of Indian cinema” who entertained generations.Chopra, 80, passed away at a Mumbai hospital this evening. In his message, the Prime Minister credited the film-maker for establishing the popularity of Indian cinema internationally.Singh described Chopra as an “icon of Indian cinema” who entertained many generations with his rare creativity.“He had an aesthetic talent to make his films look larger than life. His flourish to essay romance and social drama was unmatched. He established the popularity of Indian cinema internationally and was honoured by many governments.“He will be remembered by millions of his fans around the world and his work as a director and producer will be treasured by the nation for many more generations,” Singh said.The Prime Minister sent his condolences to the bereaved family.Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said: “Today Indian cinema has lost one of its iconic personalities and a creative genius. Through films, Yashji connected generations together. His idea of portraying love as the essence of life and relationships will fondly be remembered by all movie lovers. His death is a void which will be difficult to fill,” Soni said. Bollywood was in mourning over the death of its legendary filmmaker. Amitabh Bachchan was the first to tweet about Yash Chopra's passing away. @SrBachchan: T 906 - Yash Chopra passes away .. Just now a hour ago ..@mbhandarkar268: I'm shocked & saddened by the loss of Hindi Cinema's legend - Yash ji. romance in cinema will always be incomplete without u. RIP@Riteishd: The man who taught the country how to fall in love -passes away - you will always be with us thru ur work- King of Romance- RIP YASHJI@MadhuriDixit1: Just got the news that Yashji passed on. He was one of the giants of cinema. My deepest condolences to his family. We will all miss him.@realpreityzinta: Yash Uncle we will miss you. May god give peace to your soul . R. I. P @AnupamPkher: My mornings will never be the same. My learnings of life will never be the same. LOVE never be the same. And cinema will NEVER be the Same. @narendramodi: Yash Chopra ji made a mark as an excellent film maker. Indian film industry & movie lovers will truly miss him. May his soul rest in peace.Shahrukh Khan, the hero in Yash Chopra's last firm Jab Tak Hai Jaan rushed to Lilawati Hospital to offer his condolences to the family members of the departed filmmaker.Yash Chopra will be cremated on Monday afternoon at 3 pm at Juhu Chandanwadi crematorium.