Director Hansal Mehta paid tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh after his recent passing. In a tweet, Mehta acknowledged his regret while reflecting on Manmohan Singh’s vast legacy. Dr. Singh passed away on Thursday night (26 December 2024) at Delhi’s AIIMS. He was 92.

Hansal Mehta starred in the movie The Accidental Prime Minister (2019) based on Singh’s life. Mehta portrayed former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Now, Mehta has said that he owes the late former PM an apology.

The nation owes him an apology. More than anybody else, I owe him one. Whatever the compulsion or intent, it is a regret I will carry with a very heavy heart. Sorry, sir.

Besides your achievements as an economist, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister, you were an honorable… pic.twitter.com/hJRRU2jGUL
— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) December 27, 2024

Many Indian editors and political journalists were responsible for aiding the “mute, meek PM” narrative for Manmohan Singh, despite routinely attending his press conferences, having access, and throwing all sorts of questions at him. They should be ashamed of themselves today.
— Fatima Khan (@khanthefatima) December 26, 2024

In his tweet, Mehta wrote, “The nation owes him an apology. More than anybody else, I owe him one. Whatever the compulsion or intent, it is a regret I will carry with a very heavy heart. Sorry, sir. Besides your achievements as an economist, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister, you were an honorable man—a rare gentleman in a vocation dominated by ruffians.”

Mehta also retweeted a tweet that read, “Many Indian editors and political journalists were responsible for aiding the “mute, meek PM” narrative for Manmohan Singh, despite routinely attending his press conferences, having access, and throwing all sorts of questions at him. They should be ashamed of themselves today.”

Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was a distinguished economist and policymaker. His tenure as Finance Minister during the 1991 economic liberalisation period is often hailed as transformative for India’s economy. Despite his towering achievements, he was often the subject of criticism, particularly during his second term as Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, a seven-day state mourning will be observed throughout the country as a mark of respect to the former PM. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across India. A state funeral will be accorded to Dr Singh and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.

See Also: From Diljit Dosanjh To Madhuri Dixit, Bollywood Celebrities Pay Tribute To Late Former PM Manmohan Singh