When Cho Ramaswamy introduced Narendra Modi as 'Merchant of Death` and the PM replied to him – Watch videos

Cho Ramaswamy, 82, passed away due to cardiac arrest at Apollo Hospital.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to well-known actor, playwright, and political analyst Cho Ramaswamy, who breathed his last here this morning.

In a series of tweets, the PM mourned the death of "dear friend" Cho Ramaswamy, called him "a multidimensional personality, towering intellectual, great nationalist and fearless voice who was respected and admired".

Ramaswamy had a personal rapport with many politicians in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Late Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalithaa had called on him when he was seriously ill early this year.

Modi later posted two videos of an event he attended in Chennai.

"The feisty Cho Ramaswamy introduces me as the 'Merchant of Death.' Do watch this memorable interaction," Modi posted on Twitter and in another tweet, he posted his response. 

The feisty Cho Ramaswamy introduces me as the 'Merchant of Death.' Do watch this memorable interaction. https://t.co/2FsF64sVvH — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2016

I returned the favour, but don't think I matched Cho's eloquence. Hear what I said about him. https://t.co/wPxYLc1fTb — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 7, 2016

Ramaswamy founded and edited the political magazine Thuglak magazine and was fearless in criticising the ruling government in the state or at the centre.