Actor Riteish Deshmukh on Wednesday mourned the passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, saying the NCP chief’s sudden death had left him deeply shaken and heartbroken. The actor, who shared a personal rapport with the late leader, expressed his grief on social media, remembering Pawar as one of the state’s most influential and dynamic politicians.

Deshmukh said Pawar was known for his strict work ethic, sharp wit, and ability to motivate those around him to perform better. He added that Pawar’s straightforward nature and widespread popularity made his loss especially painful, leaving behind a significant void that cannot be filled. Recalling their interactions, Deshmukh noted the kindness he always received from Pawar and extended his condolences to the Pawar family, close associates, and countless supporters.

Ajit Pawar died along with others when the chartered aircraft he was traveling in crashed near the runway at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The aircraft caught fire following the crash. Pawar was accompanied by two staff members and two crew members and was en route to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zila Parishad elections. A day earlier, he had been in Mumbai attending a meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with other ministers and officials.