MUMBAI: Shah Rukh Khan Tuesday expressed grief over the death of union minister and former Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh. The superstar said his demise was sudden and remembered him as a “wonderful” gentleman.

Vilasrao Deshmukh passed away at a Chennai hospital following prolonged illness around 2 p.m. Tuesday. He was 67.

“I’m feeling very sorry. I have known him (Vilasrao) for years. (His son) Riteish is a close friend of mine. I spoke to him. I am very sad, it is very unexpected,” Shah Rukh said on the sidelines of an event here.

“He was a wonderful gentleman, apart from being the chief minister. He was a very wonderful person. My respects to the family. I am deeply disturbed,” added the 46-year-old.

Vilasrao is survived by his wife and three sons. His son Riteish, and daughter-in-law Genelia, are popular Bollywood actors.