The Union government on Wednesday declared a day's national mourning as a mark of respect for Union minister and veteran actor Sunil Dutt who passed away in Mumbai.

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images], held an emergency meeting in New Delhi and condoled the untimely death of an 'experienced and valued member'.

The meeting, which observed a two-minute silence in memory of the departed soul, also decided that Dutt will be accorded a state funeral. The prime minister will attend the cremation at Mumbai.

Also see: You will be missed Mr Dutt

The Cabinet expressed profound sorrow over Dutt's death, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil told reporters after the
meeting.

"With his passing away, the nation has lost an eminent figure from its public firmament," a resolution passed at the meeting said.

Paying rich tributes to the cine star, the Cabinet noted that he 'epitomised core Indian values' and was 'a great exponent of the principles enshrined in our Constitution.'

Also see: 'No one can replace him'

It pointed out that Dutt was a 'tireless champion of secular values and always showed courage in rising above narrow political interests in his effort to secure amity between various groups.'