The film industry Wednesday reacted with deep shock and anguish at the death of veteran actor and sports minister Sunil Dutt, with his old colleagues praising him for his striking qualities of head and heart.

Leading film personalities rushed to Dutt's Bandra residence as soon as the news of his death was flashed. Dutt, who would have been 76 on June 6, died in his sleep after suffering a heart attack.

"He was a rare human being. People like him are difficult to find," said Lata Mangeshkar.

"He was a very good actor and could play a variety of roles with ease. If he was successful in politics, it was due to his hard work," Lata added.

"We were good friends. He was in America when he heard I was ill. He immediately telephoned me," Lata recalled.

"I can't believe that Dutt Saheb is no longer with us. It comes as such a deep shock not just to those who work in the film industry but to the people of the country," said actress Shabana Azmi.

"Dutt was the first among many others who worked outside the film industry to bring succour to so many people. I feel bereaved on behalf of all the people he had lived and worked for," she added.

"The fact that Dutt represented one constituency for five terms shows the kind of respect he commanded among the people."

Dutt represented the Mumbai Northwest constituency in the Lok Sabha. "Dutt was a very good human being. His constituency would be bereaved without him. He has always given more than he got in his lifetime," said veteran actress Sharmila Tagore.

Said lyricist Javed Akhtar: "The news of Dutt's death has come as thunderbolt to me. How could a person, who was so full of life, die all of a sudden? This is so unbelievable.

"We have lost a very good human being. He was a true Indian. It's a sad day for the country. His life was dedicated to the service of the common man."