Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away at the age of 92 at New Delhi's AIIMS on Thursday night. Known for his humility, integrity, and brilliance, Singh served two terms as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after 33 years of service.
Actor Anupam Kher, who portrayed Dr. Singh in the 2019 biographical film The Accidental Prime Minister, paid an emotional tribute to him through a heartfelt video on Instagram. Kher, deeply moved by Singh's passing, shared his reflections on the former leader’s life, legacy, and personal interactions.
In the video, Kher expressed his sorrow, stating, “Dr. Manmohan Singh was inherently a good man—gentle, bright, brilliant, and kind.” The actor revealed that he had initially hesitated to take on the role in The Accidental Prime Minister, fearing it might be misconstrued as mocking Singh. However, he eventually accepted the challenge, dedicating over a year to studying Singh’s mannerisms, personality, and leadership style.
Reflecting on his experience, Kher described his portrayal as one of the most truthful performances of his career. He emphasized Singh’s honesty, listening skills, and kindness, calling these qualities rare in today’s world. Kher also mentioned Singh’s support for the film, recalling how Singh had offered him encouragement during their brief interactions.
In his social media post, Kher wrote, “He was inherently a good man, a great economist, and a humble leader. Some may say he wasn’t an astute politician, but he was a remarkable human being. The nation has lost a truly honest leader.”
Tributes poured in from across the film industry, with actors like Chiranjeevi, Madhuri Dixit, and Manoj Bajpayee mourning Singh’s demise. The Indian government has declared a seven-day state mourning, and his funeral is scheduled for December 28. Dr. Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.
