Noted columnist and author Khushwant Singh died at his residence on Thursday. He was 99.

His last rites will be held at the Lodhi Crematorium in New Delhi at 4 pm.

An Indo-Anglian novelist, Singh was best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry.

President Pranab Mukherjee joined the nation to condole the death of noted columnist and author Khushwant Singh, whose writings had charmed Indians for ages.

In a condolence message to his son, Rahul Singh, Mukherjee said, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Shri Khushwant Singh."

He said: "A prolific writer who made his mark in literature as well as journalism, Shri Singh will be remembered for his sharp insight and unique wit, as well as sense of humour. Shri Singh’s writings delighted generations of readers and he was conferred several awards and national honours including the Padma Vibhushan. His contribution to the nation as a Member of Parliament was also noteworthy. A fearless intellectual and exceptional man, his sad demise leaves a vacuum difficult to fill."

Mukherjee said: "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and his countless fans and admirers. I pray for peace of the departed soul”.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Khushwant Singh's death marked the end of an era.

In his message, the Prime Minister said: "I am deeply saddened to learn that my dear friend, Sardar Khushwant Singh, is no more."

"Throughout his life, Khushwant Singh worked hard to make it easier for the rest of us to understand and come to terms with the major social, economic and political changes that our country and the world witnessed. His writings, whether as a journalist, editor, historian, author or provocative raconteur, never failed to shed light on the human condition," Manmohan Singh said.


"That he did this unfailingly and candidly for more than half a century, while also managing to be humourous and witty, reflects on the enormous talent that he had for holding up a mirror to society. There was hardly an aspect of public life that escaped his attention and none that was not the better for it," he said.

He said, "Khushwant's passing marks the end of an era and while I join you and countless others around the world in mourning his loss, I am sure that he himself would want us also to celebrate - to celebrate a rich and full life that was devoted to the pursuit of truth and justice. Indeed, Khushwant was a man the likes of whom we will not see again."

Manmohan Singh said: "Gursharan joins me in conveying all members of the family our sincerest and heartfelt condolences. We pray for peace for the departed soul."

Vice-President Hamid Ansari said Khushwant Singh was particularly admired for being fearless in expressing his views in his writings and speech.

"I am profoundly saddened at the passing away of Shri Khushwant Singh, an iconic figure and one of the most prominent author, commentator and journalist of our country. He also served as Member of the Rajya Sabha from 1980-86," Ansair said in his message.

He said ,"Shri Khushwant Singh had a long, prolific and illustrious literary career spanning several decades during which he wrote on subjects varying from politics and poetry to issues of social concern. He was particularly admired for being fearless in expressing his views in his writings and speech."

Ansari said: "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family, his friends and admirers. I pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to bear their loss.”

Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor tweeted: "Mourning the passing of the irrepressible, inimitable Mr Original himself. A great loss for the world of ideas&letters. Khushwant Singh RIP."


In his condolence message, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said: "An outstanding historian and a forthright political commentator, Shri Singh articulated his viewpoint through the power of his pen. He set new standards in the literary world with each of his works which included both fiction and non- fiction classics."

He said: " Shri Singh would always be remembered for his inventive thought and quick understanding which is reflected in his writings. His writings pull millions to the pleasure of reading a hard bound book even in the digital age of internet and contemporary digital content. With his death, an era in the literary world has come to an end. May God give courage to the bereaved family members to deal with this loss.”

Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal said Khushwant Singh's death was a personal loss.

"Khushwantji's passing away is a personal loss. I am deeply grieved," he posted on his Twitter homepage.

Gujarat Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi tweeted: "My condolences on the passing away of noted author & journalist Khushwant Singh. May his soul rest in peace."

In his facebook post, BJP president Rajnath Singh said, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of noted author and columnist Shri Khushwant Singh's demise. He was the doyen of Indian English literature and also well known for his subtle humour and satire. I offer my heartfelt tributes to Late Khushwant Singh and condolences to the bereaved family.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje tweeted: "Saddened by the demise of Sh. Khushwant Singh. Literary world has lost a shining jewel. Condolence to his family."

Apart from politicians, people from different walks of life mourned the noted author's death.

Retired top cop turned social activist Kiran Bedi tweeted: "I most fondly remember playing tennis with Mr Kushwant Singh.And his hearty laughter over certain shots! He played to enjoy and not compete!"

Actor Anupam Kher said: "Had d privilege & d honour of spending some memorable evenings with Khushwant Singh in mid 80s. Will cherish those moments all my life.RIP."

Actor Shah Rukh Khan posted on his Twitter homepage: "Oh no Khushwant Singh is no more. He made our lives so much richer by his literary contributions. 'With Malice towards one and all' RIP."

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said: "Truth, Love & A Little Malice. An apt title for a book & for a life! A rare man with a rare capacity to look inwards. RIP, Khushwant Singh."

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur tweeted: "An Institution says adieu. His final joke upon us. RIP Khushwant Singh."

Noted Journalist Barkha Dutt posted on her Twitter homepage: "Gutted to hear about the death of Khushwant Singh. He was my mother's editor, penned a beautiful obituary on her. A great man. My Tributes."

Author Shobhaa De tweeted: "Khushwant Singh. End of an era. Only KS could say 'There's no condom for a pen.' And prove it!"

Journalist Rajdeep Sardesai posted on his Twitter homepage: "Khushwant Singh 99. RIP."

Writer Amitav Ghosh said: "Very sad to hear of the death of Khushwant Singh - great historian, novelist, editor, columnist, and a wonderfully kind, generous man. RIP."

Khushwant Singh died at his residence here on Thursday. He was 99.

An Indo-Anglian novelist, Singh, who was born on Feb 2, 1915 in Hadali (now in Pakistan's Punjab), was best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry.

His comparisons of social and behavioral characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit.

He served as the editor of several literary and news magazines, as well as two broadsheet newspapers, through the 1970s and 1980s.

Singh had edited Yojana, an Indian government journal; The Illustrated Weekly of India, a newsweekly; and two major Indian newspapers, The National Herald and the Hindustan Times.

He was the recipient of Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India.

His last book The Good, The Bad and The Ridiculous was published in October 2013, following which he retired from writing.