Mirati (West Bengal), Oct 23 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday expressed grief over the death of Bengali writer Sunil Gangopadhay.

Describing Gangopadhyay as one of the greatest Bengali intellectuals in recent times, Mukherjee said he had enriched Bengali literature.

"We all mourn his death. He had contributed a lot through his excellent style of writing. He was extremely vigilant in protecting the richness in Bengali culture," Mukherjee said from his village where he is celebrating Durga Puja.

"The cultural world has lost a bright star. It will not be easy to fill up the vacuum," the president said.

Banerjee said Bengal has a lost a litterateur of high caliber. "He has made signal contribution to literature. I express my heartfelt condolences."

Legendary Bengali writer and Sahitya Akademi President Gangopadhyay died here early Tuesday following a major cardiac arrest.

Equally acclaimed for poems and novels in both West Bengal and Bangladesh, the Sahitya Akademi winner, 78, leaves behind his wife and son. He authored over 200 books over six decades.