Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Profession: 10th Indian Prime Minister

Biography: As three-time Prime Minister of India, Vajpayee was long a fixture in Indian politics—also serving over five decades as a member of the Indian Parliament in both the lower and upper houses. Outside of this, Vajpayee was also an author, publishing several works of prose and poetry.

During Vajpayee's time as Prime Minister, he oversaw India's second set of nuclear tests; then by way of easing tensions, sought to normalise relations with Pakistan through the Lahore summit which conclude with a commitment to dialogue.

Throughout his rule, he also dealt with a number of crises: most notably, the 1999 Kargil war in Kashmir, the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament, and the 2002 violence in Gujarat between Hindus and Muslims.

Born: December 25, 1924
Birthplace: Gwalior, Gwalior State (present-day Madhya Pradesh), British India

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: August 16, 2018 (aged 93)
Cause of Death: Kidney infection