President, PM condole Khushwant Singh's death (Lead)

New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday condoled the death of renowned author and journalist Khushwant Singh, saying he "will be remembered for his sharp insight and unique wit as well as sense of humour".

Mukherjee expressed sadness at the death of the noted writer and said his works had delighted generations of readers.

"I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Khushwant Singh," the president said in a message to Rahul Singh, the writer's son.

"A prolific writer who made his mark in literature as well as in journalism, Khushwant Singh will be remembered for his sharp insight and unique wit, as well as sense of humour," Mukherjee said.

Manmohan Singh said the renowned author had lived a "truly creative life".

"A gifted author, candid commentator and a dear friend. He lived a truly creative life," the prime minister said in a statement.

Khushwant Singh, an internationally renowned author and journalist, died here Thursday. He was 99.

A Padma Vibhushan recipient, Khushwant Singh authored more than a dozen books, including "Train to Pakistan" and "Delhi".

Vice President Hamid Ansari said he was "profoundly saddened at the passing away of Khushwant Singh, an iconic figure and one of the most prominent authors, commentators and journalists of our country".

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said: "An outstanding historian and a forthright political commentator, Singh articulated his viewpoint through the power of his pen."

"He (Khushwant Singh) set new standards in the literary world with each of his works which included both fiction and non-fiction classics," Tewari added.