Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar at the age of 66, has died in a tragic plane crash in Baramati, on Wednesday morning. The accident happened while he was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati. Four others on board, including the pilots and Pawar’s security personnel, were also killed, NDTV reported. India Today reported that the chartered plane was attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport.
The sudden demise of Ajit Pawar has triggered an outpouring of grief from political leaders across party lines. Alongside political leaders, celebrities from the Indian film and entertainment industry also expressed shock and sorrow over Pawar’s death, taking to social media to share heartfelt messages.
Riteish Deshmukh remembers ‘Ajit Dada’
Riteish Deshmukh took to his Instagram story to express shock and grief over the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Calling him “Ajit Dada”, the actor wrote, “Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident. One of Maharashtra's most dynamic leaders, he had zero tolerance for non-performance and constantly pushed and inspired those around him to excel.”
“He never minced his words, his wit was unmatched, and he was deeply loved across the state. His untimely demise leaves behind a huge loss and an irreplaceable void. I have had the pleasure of interacting with him numerous times, will always remember for the kindness he showered upon me. My deepest condolences to the Pawar family, his loved ones, and millions of supporters.”
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar pays tribute
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar shared a tribute on X, writing, “Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji. A towering figure in state politics, his loss is irreparable. Thoughts are with Sunetra ji, Parth, Jay, & the entire Pawar family members during this incredibly difficult time. Strength to them. #OmShanti.”
Deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji . A towering figure in state politics, his loss is irreparable. Thoughts are with Sunetra ji , Parth, Jay, & the entire Pawar family members during this incredibly difficult time. Strength to them. #OmShanti ???? pic.twitter.com/5KJUSoqqXu
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) January 28, 2026
Also Read | Who were with Ajit Pawar on the ill-fated flight? Here's all we know
Ajay Devgn offers heartfelt condolences
Actor Ajay Devgn took to his X, offering heartfelt condolences. He wrote, “Shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Hon. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this immense loss. Om Shanti.”
Shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Hon. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this immense loss.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) January 28, 2026
Om Shanti ????????
Anupam Kher recalls Pawar’s gentle nature
Veteran actor Anupam Kher said he was deeply shocked by Ajit Pawar’s death. “Deeply shocked and Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. Whenever I met him he was very gentle and kind! My thoughts are with his family. Om Shanti!”, he wrote on X.
Deeply shocked and Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. Whenever I met him he was very gentle and kind! My thoughts are with his family. Om Shanti! ???????? pic.twitter.com/X0deqc6Z0W
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) January 28, 2026
Also Read | Who owns Baramati Airport? Know full details of its operations amid Ajit Pawar's plane crash crisis
Kangana Ranaut calls the news heartbreaking
Reacting to the incident, Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said, “"This is such horrible news...There are not enough words to express..."
Watch the video here:
#WATCH | On the death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a crash landing in Baramati, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "This is such horrible news...There are not enough words to express..." pic.twitter.com/buwlNymqU1
— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026
Actress and politician Smriti Irani tweeted, “Shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji in the tragic aircraft crash. His service to the people and years of political stewardship will be remembered with respect. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Om Shanti.”
Shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji in the tragic aircraft crash. His service to the people and years of political stewardship will be remembered with respect.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 28, 2026
My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Om Shanti…