The death of famous south Indian actress Soundarya in a plane crash near Bangalore on Saturday has shocked the Telugu film industry and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party-Telugu Desam Party alliance.

She was on her way to Andhra Pradesh to campaign in Karimnagar parliamentary constituency where Union Minister of State Ch Vidyasagar Rao is engaged in a fierce electoral battle with Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandraskhar Rao.

As the news of her death spread, members of Telugu film industry expressed their deep shock. Several film personalities are going to Bangalore to attend her last rites.   

Telugu matinee idol Chiranjeevi said it was a tragic event. He recalled he had visited the actress' home after her marriage recently. He said her success reflected her professionalism and dedication. 

Srikant, another Telugu actor who co-starred with Soundarya in many films, was shattered by the news. Terming her as a good actress, he said, "I am shocked and cannot believe that she is no more. She was a nice person and known for her discipline and hard work."

"She was a nice girl known for her dedication and commitment towards work," said actress Nagma, who joined the Congress recently.

Condolence messages poured in from numerous Telugu actors, actresses, producers, directors and others.  

Soundarya, whose original name was Soumya, acted in nearly a 100 films in Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. Her only brother, Amarnath, and two others were also killed in the crash at Jakkur near Bangalore.

Soundarya, who had recently joined the BJP, also featured in a poll advertisement by the ruling Telugu Desam Party. A pall of gloom descended on BJP-TDP camp in Karimnagar district. A shell-shocked Vidyasagar Rao said he was not able to come to terms with what had happened.

"It is a great tragedy for all of us," he said. All meetings to be addressed by Soundarya were cancelled.