Mumbai, July 7 (TIWN) Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray led the state in paying glowing tributes to the legend called Dilip Kumar, who passed away on Wednesday morning aged 98.

Terming him as the 'Mayanayak' of his generations, Koshyari recalled how he was so fascinated by Dilip Kumar that he watched his blockbuster "Mughal-E-Azam" twice, back-to-back.  "Unfortunately, I didn't watch any films thereafter 'Mughal-E-Azam' remained the first and the last film I watched. Dilip Kumar was a legend, nobody can take his place," said the Governor. 

Thackeray, calling Dilip Kumar's passing as a bright shining star which has fallen from the silver screen, said the legendary actor will forever remain in the hearts of his fans.  "Dilip Kumar dominated the film industry with his diverse roles and versatile acting His career was one of the highlights of the Indian Cinema, and he will forever remain the hearts of his fans," the CM said. 

He recalled how Dilip Kumar enjoyed a close relationship with his father, the late Hindu HridaySamrat Balasaheb Thackeray and both nourished a inseparable bond of arts.  Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that the Dilip Kumar's demise has shattered the 'beacon of Indian Cinema' and the country has lost a great artiste of the century.