Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash: Celebrities Including Kangana, Riteish, Pawan Express Grief

January 28, 2026: Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, and four others died when the plane they were travelling in crashed in Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said. The accident happened while the plane was landing in Baramati.

Pawar, 66, the NCP leader, was on a Lear Jet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK) flying from Mumbai to Baramati. The country is in mourning. Celebrities and political leaders expressed their condolences.

Celebrities React to Ajit Pawar’s Death

Actor Riteish Deshmukh, son of former Maharashtra CM Vilasrao Deshmukh, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Deeply shocked and heartbroken to learn about Ajit Dada’s death in a tragic accident. He was one of Maharashtra’s most dynamic leaders. He always inspired people to do their best and was deeply loved across the state. His loss leaves a huge void. My condolences to his family, loved ones, and supporters.”

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut said, “This is such horrible news. There are no words to express…”

#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

BJP MP Ravi Kishan said, “There could not be a bigger loss to Maharashtra politics. He was known as ‘Baramati ka raja’.”

Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM and actor Pawan Kalyan wrote, “Deeply shocked by the tragic news of Ajit Dada Pawar’s passing. His service and work for the people of Maharashtra will always be remembered. My condolences to his family and supporters in this difficult time.”

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… pic.twitter.com/nGQ3M1xf0Z

— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) January 28, 2026

Actor and politician Smriti Irani said, “Shocked and saddened by the death of Shri Ajit Pawar Ji in the plane crash. His service and work will be remembered. My thoughts are with the families. Om Shanti.”

Actor Anupam Kher wrote, “Deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dada. He was very kind. My thoughts are with his family. Om Shanti!”

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said, “Deeply shocked and saddened by Ajit Pawar ji’s death. He was a big figure in state politics. Thoughts are with the Pawar family. 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

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

Plane Crash Details

Ajit Pawar’s plane crashed at 8:48 AM while trying to land at Baramati airport. The plane went off the runway and caught fire.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders sent condolences. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced three days of state mourning.