Singh (83) breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai today.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he rose to the heights of the entertainment world, sports arena and public life with humility and grace.
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Dara Singh, who has been an inspiration and icon to many generations in our country... His contribution to the Hindi and Punjabi cinema, wrestling and the Upper House of the Parliament will be remembered by millions," he said.
"I wish to send my deepest condolences to the family of Dara Singh and to his countless admirers in India and abroad," he said.
BJP Parliamentary Party Chief L K Advani said he and his party are deeply saddened by the demise of Singh. "The country has lost one of its gems. The void caused by the death of Dara Singh, who was a kind-hearted soul, cannot be filled."
Advani praised Singh for his dedication to work and said he has left an indelible mark in the field of acting and wrestling.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj also expressed her grief, saying, "He distinguished himself not only as a sportsperson but also as an actor and an MP. He was a legend in his life time. Yet he was very simple and humble. May his soul rest in peace."
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal described the 'Rustam-e-Hind' as a multifaceted personality who earned fame in the national and international arena of wrestling.
"His memorable role of Hanuman in the television serial 'Ramayana' would be ever remembered by one and all. In the death of Dara Singh, a void has been created in the Indian film industry which is difficult to be filled," Badal said.
Badal said that Singh was a fine human being with rare qualities of head and heart, recalling his outstanding contribution in making Punjabi Cinema popular among the masses.
