Veteran journalist Kamal Khan passed away Friday morning at the age of 61 after suffering a heart attack. 

Colleagues from the media fraternity and several politicians took to social media to mourn his loss.

Veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai offered his condolences, “Terribly sad news to report this morning. Kamal Khan, NDTV’s fine reporter from Lucknow and a dear dear friend passed away this morning. I will miss you dearly my friend and our long chats. Lots of memories! Devastated. Om shanti.”

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, wrote, “Shocked to hear about the passing away of senior journalist Kamal Khanji. I met him just a few days ago and we discussed many thing. He kept alive the values of truth and public interest in journalism. My deepest condolences to his family members.”

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The award-winning journalist was known for his deep insights into Uttar Pradesh politics. “The news of the sudden demise of renowned TV journalist Kamal Khan, associated with NDTV, is a very sad loss to journalism. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May God give everyone the strength to bear this sorrow,” Former UP Chief Minister Mayawati tweeted.

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Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati mourned the loss, “The news of the sudden demise of Kamal Khan, a well-known and eminent TV journalist associated with NDTV, is very sad and irreparable loss to the journalism world. My deepest condolences to his family and all his loved ones. May the nature give everyone the strength to bear this sorrow, wishing from such a nature.”

NDTV’s Alok Pandey expressed his grief as well, “Sharing this with profound grief , shock and numbness. @kamalkhan_NDTV sir, our long standing Lucknow bureau chief, rock solid journalist, someone we all looked up to for his hard hitting yet poetic report, passed away this morning. Will share more details as and when available.”

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“This is very sad. The sudden demise of famous journalist Kamal Khan ji is a big loss for the world of journalism. I pray to God to give his family strength to bear this loss. My humble tribute…” – said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Congress leader and former journalist Supriya Shrinate tweeted, “Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of @kamalkhan_NDTV. Rock solid journalist, a great human being.”

Khan is survived by his wife, Ruchi, and their son, Aman.