Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s brother-in-law and Gita Mehta’s husband Sonny Mehta, editor-in-chief of the Alfred A Knopf and chairman of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, passed away on Tuesday. He was 77.
“I am deeply grieved by the passing away of my brother in law Sonny Mehta (Husband of my sister Gita Mehta). He was one of the world’s best editors and an extremely civilized person. May his soul rest in peace,” Tweeted Patnaik.
Sonny Mehta had won Lifetime Achievement Awards for publishing in India, the UK and the United States. He was also named 2015 Person of the Year by Publishers Weekly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the demise of Mehta.
“Sonny Mehta would be fondly remembered by countless avid readers across the world. He endeared himself to many thanks to his erudite and knowledgeable personality. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to Gita Ji, you, your family and his admirers. Om Shanti,” Tweeted the PM.
BJP State president Basant Panda and Leader of Opposition in State Assembly Pradipta Naik also expressed deep grief over Mehta’s demise.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that he would not celebrate the New Year in view of the death of his brother-in-law. He requested BJD leaders and workers and well-wishers not to visit his residence to wish him.