PM condoles passing away of Dara Singh

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday expressed deep grief over the passing away of wrestler-actor Dara Singh and said he had been an inspiration and icon to many generations in the country.

Dara Singh, a former Rajya Sabha member, died at his home in Mumbai following a brief illness. He was 84. In his condolence message, the prime minister said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Dara Singh, who has been an inspiration and icon to many generations in our country." "A self-educated son-of-the-soil, he rose to the heights of the entertainment world, sports arena and public life with humility and grace. His contribution to the Hindi and Punjabi cinema, wrestling and the Upper House of the Parliament will be remembered by millions." IANS