Lata Mangeshkar, Ratan Tata mourn Vajpayee

Mumbai : Renowned playback singer Lata Mangeshkar on Thursday said she is shattered to learn of the demise of Bharat Ratna Atal Behari Vajpyeeji.

"I considered him as a father figure, and he treated me like his daughter. I used to address him as 'Dadda'. Today I feel the same loss and pain as I felt when my father had passed away," the Bharat Ratna singer said.

Chairman of Tata Trusts Ratan N. Tata said Vajpayee was a great leader with a great sense of compassion and humour. "He will be remembered fondly by a vast number of us."

"The nation has lost a statesman of independent India. An iconic leader on the world stage, Vajpayeeji led India with great wisdom, foresight and love for the country," said N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons conglomerate.

In a tribute, Founder-Chairman of Apollo Hospitals (Dr.) Prathap Reddy recalled Vajpayee's kind and affectionate attitude when he detected and diagnosed a medical condition that required immediate intervention.

"He recovered well and went on to become the Prime Minister. I also met him when he was unwell at his home. I have lost a dear friend," Reddy said.