Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has mourned the death of Pran, one of Indian cinema’s most hated villains yet among the most loved, respected and versatile actors, saying the icon will always live in the hearts of his fans.
Pran Kishan Sikand, popular as Pran, breathed his last at the Lilavati Hospital late on Friday evening following prolonged illness, his son said. He was 93.
Expressing his grief through Twitter, Khan wrote: “Why do icons who shaped our lives and emotions have to go away?”
“You will, sir, remain etched in our hearts. Allah bless your soul Pran sahib,” Khan wrote.
Mourning the death of one of his most special co-stars Pran, megastar Amitabh Bachchan shared how the legendary actor, a “considerate human”, was “admirable” and a “delightful companion”.
“A gentleman of the finest order, an admirable colleague, a thorough professional, a master of disguise in the characters he played, a delightful companion after ‘office hours’ and a considerate human, Pran Saheb,” Amitabh posted on his blog.
Bachchan had worked with Pran in several films like “Zanjeer” (1973), “Amar Akbar Anthony” (1977), “Don” (1978) and “Kaalia” (1981).
The 70-year-old says the Pran’s death is “another deathly blow” to the Indian film industry.
“Another stalwart leaves us, and this massive and imposing film industry edifice, tottering by the removal of the giant pillars that held it up, suffers another deathly blow.
“‘At this time of our lives’, as a close relative once sadly said ‘we do not make friends any more, we lose them’,” he added.
Priyanka Chopra, who is working in the remake of the 1973 hit “Zanjeer”, which popularised Pran as Sher Khan, a Pathan friend who stands through thick and thin by the protagonist played by Amitabh Bachchan, too mourned his death.
She also took to Twitter and posted: “‘Zanjeer’! Will miss Sher Khan forever. RIP Pran sahib. Thank you for giving us such a legendary legacy. Loss of a legend. Prayers and condolences.”
India’s politicians also remember the actor.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: “Pran had entertained several generations of Indians with his riveting performances in hundreds of celluloid roles. His versatility in etching a lasting impression on cinema audience’s mind improved with time for which he was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.”
“He worked with doyens of film industry among which he was an icon,” said Singh, expressing sadness over Pran’s passing away.
“I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and Pran’s countless fans and admirers. I pray for peace of the departed soul,” he added.
North Indian state Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said: “Pran is known as veteran villain and character actor. His contribution to Indian cinema will never be forgotten,” Kumar said in his condolence message.
