Legendary actor Pran's death here late Friday evening left Bollywood celebrities nostalgic. Some remembered his iconic villain roles, while some recollected his popular dialogues and songs, and there were others who shared what a "heart of gold" the "gentleman" had.
Pran, whose real name was Pran Kishan Sikand, was 93. He died at the Lilavati Hospital here at 8:30 p.m., his son said.
Following the news of his death, a flurry of Bollywood celebrities - both old and new, took to Twitter to share their fondest memories of the actor, who made an endearing impact on his fans as a hero, villain and a character actor in a filmography of over 400 movies across a career spanning six decades.
Here's what the celebrities had to say:
Amitabh Bachchan: Pran sahab passes away! A gentleman, most collaborative colleague, a senior of immense distinction, a true disciplined professional.Another magnificent pillar of the Film Industry, falls. Our illustrious edifice in ruins, as stalwart after stalwart leaves.
Karan Johar: Truly the end of a magnificent and glorious era. He was a gentleman superstar and heaven is blessed today.
Kabir Bedi: Farewell Pran sahab, godfather of Indian villains, your legendary characters illuminated the annals of Indian cinema. Deepest respects. RIP
Anupam Kher: Final curtain call for one of the most loved actors of Indian cinema. An actor and a gentleman. Pran sahab, we will miss you and your warmth.
Sridevi: Today we have lost a legend, a gem and an iconic actor. We will miss you. RIP Pran sahab.
Riteish Deshmukh: SHER KHAN you will live forever. RIP Pran sahab. Thank you for entertaining us all these years. Will miss you sir.
Smriti Z Irani: It's your talent that will define your career as an actor not the tag of 'hero' or 'villain' - that's the example set by Pran sahab. RIP.
Preity Zinta: RIP Pran sahab! Did not know him personally, but heard he was a perfect gentleman with a heart of gold!
Arjun Rampal: RIP Pran sahab, you immortalised so many characters, was fortunate to play one of them. You live in my heart forever.
Dia Mirza: Six decades of entertainment, over 400 hundred films...STALWART.
Manoj Bajpayee: May Pran sahab's soul rest in peace! In an industry of hero and villain, he ruled the space he was given.
Mohit Chauhan: The villian we loved to hate. You will be missed Pran sahab. Thank you for all those brilliant performances.
Tusshar Kapoor: RIP Pran sahab, your humungous body of work will live forever!
Abhishek Kapoor: RIP Pran sahab.. thank you for all those wonderful movies
Vishal Dadlani: Yaari hai imaan mera, yaar meri zindagi! Pran sahab, RIP.
Sophie Choudry: End of an era. RIP Pran sahab. You will always be our Sher Khan.