Lata Mangeshkar, Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar and others mourn Sheila Dikshit's death

New Delhi: Bollywood celebrities including legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar, and actors Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur and Bhumi Pednekar, on Saturday expressed grief over the demise of veteran Congress leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, remembering her as a "tall leader".

Dikshit passed away at a private hospital here following a cardiac arrest. She was 81.

Mangeshkar recalled her conversations with Dikshit on music and poetry.

"A remarkable woman, former CM of New Delhi and a keen admirer of all art forms. We never discussed politics but had long talks on music and poetry. May her soul rest in peace, and heartfelt condolences to her family," Mangeshkar tweeted.

Was deeply saddened to hear about Sheila ji’s demise.
A remarkable woman, former CM of New Delhi and a keen admirer of all art forms. We never discussed politics but had long talks on music and poetry. May her soul rest in peace and heartfelt condolences to her family.

— Lata Mangeshkar (@mangeshkarlata) July 20, 2019

Akshay praised Dikshit for her contribution to the national Capital.

"Extremely sad to know about the passing away of Sheila Dikshitji... she effectively changed the face of Delhi during her tenure. Heartfelt condolences to her family," he wrote. 

Extremely sad to know about the passing away of #SheilaDixit ji...she effectively changed the face of Delhi during her tenure. Heartfelt condolences to her family  — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 20, 2019

Bhumi Pednekar wrote: A great leader indeed... My condolences to the family. You were so loved ma'am. A great loss to our nation. May your soul rest in peace.

Loss of a great leader...You were really loved #ShielaDikshit ma’am.A huge loss to our country. You’ve really left behind a great legacy.May your soul rest in peace .My condolences to the family  — bhumi pednekar (@bhumipednekar) July 20, 2019

Nimrat Kaur called Dikshit a "lady par excellence".

She wrote: "Deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers on the passing of Sheila Dikshitji. A lady par excellence, someone who lead by example. An indispensable presence for generations to remember. May her blessed soul rest in peace."

Deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers on the passing of #SheilaDixit ji. A lady par excellence, someone who lead by example. An indispensable presence for generations to remember  May her blessed soul rest in peace. — Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) July 20, 2019

Actress Richa Chadha considered Dikshit's death as "a personal loss to anyone who grew up in Delhi".

"During my school and college, the green cover of Delhi actually grew by 300 per cent! A tall leader. Rest in peace ma'am. Condolences to family," she added.

#SheilaDixit demise will feel like a personal loss to anyone who grew up in Delhi. During my school and college, the green cover of Delhi actually grew by 300% ! A tall leader. Rest in peace ma'am. Condolences to family.  — TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) July 20, 2019

Singer Mika Singh wrote: "Very sad news.. Our Ex Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, has sadly passed but has left us with her beautiful memories... May God bless her soul, Rest in peace."

Very sad news to hear for us all.. Our Ex Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit has sadly passed but has left us with her beautiful memories..May God bless her soul, Rest in peace .. pic.twitter.com/CIxwIOOvkx — King Mika Singh (@MikaSingh) July 20, 2019

Isha Koppikar said she was "deeply saddened".

"Deeply saddened by the news of Sheila Dikshitji passing away. I offer my deepest condolences, and may her soul rest in peace," Isha wrote.

Deeply saddened by the news of #SheilaDixit ji passing away. I offer my Deepest Condolences and may her soul rest in peace, pic.twitter.com/aC5fzIv17c — Isha Koppikar (@ishakonnects) July 20, 2019

Dikshit is given credit for Delhi's growing infrastructure, including roads and flyovers, better public transport system - especially the Delhi Metro - as well as development on the health and educational fronts. She had also been Kerala Governor briefly in 2014.