Indian broadcast journalist and NDTV’s Lucknow-based Executive Editor Kamal Khan passed away on Friday. He was 61 and is survived by his family.

In a statement, NDTV said that Khan suffered a massive heart attack on Friday morning while he was at his Lucknow residence.

Tributes poured in from all walks of life, including from politicians, cutting across party lines, who praised the senior journalist for his astuteness and a sense of fair play.

“He will be remembered as a legendary reporter whose work stood out for its perceptiveness and integrity, and how he delivered hard truths with poetic dexterity,” NDTV wrote.

His last appearance on the channel was just hours before he died — talking about the series of exits from the BJP ahead of the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh.

“As a news anchor Kamal was the picture of poise and expertise, and his language was famous for its trademark elegance, a draw in its own right. Most of all, he was a wonderful and generous human being who had only kind words and boundless time for anyone who met him,” NDTV added.

Khan was honoured with the Ramnath Goenka award and also received the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award from the President of India.

“Yogi Adityanathji has condoled the death of senior journalist Kamal Khan. Praying for the peace of the departed soul, the Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the bereaved family members,” a statement from the UP Chief Minister’s office said.

“The passing of Kamal Khanji, who emerged as a serious voice of journalism, is very sad! The deep voice of his truth will always remain… My heartfelt tribute!” Samajwadi Party leader and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav tweeted.

“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(s). He kept alive the values of truth and public interest in journalism. My deepest condolences to his family members,” said Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

“The news of Kamal Khan’s demise is sad. He was a good and respected journalist. My condolences to his loved ones,” Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi said.

“Shocked by the news of the passing of Kamal Khan saheb, a great journalist (and) a wonderful human being. May God give strength to his family and friends to bear this immense sorrow,” Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

“It is very sad to hear about the demise of eminent journalist Kamal Khanji… my deepest condolences. Praying to God to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this loss,” Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, said, who was amongst the many BJP leaders paying tributes to Khan, including Petroleum Minister Hardeep S. Puri.

“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 and BSP chief Mayawati said.