President Pratibha Patil [Images] expressed her condolences on the sudden demise of Akbarali A Heptulla, husband of Najma Heptulla [Images], former deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha.

Few knew even his first name till news of his death was officially released to the media.

"In a condolence message, the President has said she is saddened to learn about the passing away of Shri Akbarali A Heptulla and conveyed her condolences to Dr (Najma) Heptulla and the other members of the family," a statement issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan [Images] said.

Heptulla, who contested for the post of vice president against Congress nominee Hamid Ansari, who defeated her, spoke about her husband's contribution and how he had supported her to mediapersons.

Speaking to rediff.com, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also paid tributes to Akbarali and offered his condolences to Heptulla.