The Indian film fraternity paid tribute to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela on Friday and remembered him as “a man of will, belief and perseverance” and “torch bearer of peace and harmony”.
South Africa’s first black president Mandela, who died on Thursday, was an icon for ending the much-reviled apartheid system, a colossus who strode over world politics and a staunch Gandhian. He was 95.
Bollywood celebrities Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Shabana Azmi, Satish Kaushik and others paid their tributes to the Nobel Peace Prize winner via micro-blogging site Twitter:
Amitabh Bachchan: “Nelson Mandela — a giant of a man of will, belief and perseverance, passes away. But leaves behind a legacy of fight for right! I had the greatest honour to meet and spend time with him on two occasions. His humility his greatest asset, among countless others!”
Shabana Azmi: “Privileged to have met Mandela twice. Gentle giant. The world has lost its tallest leader but his presence will remain.”
Akshay Kumar: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. Couldn’t be more true... RIP Nelson Mandela.”
Kabir Bedi: “Death immortalises Nelson Mandela’s life. Epic journey from violence to non-violence, prisoner to president and statesman. RIP Nelson Mandela.”
Shruti Haasan: “RIP Nelson Mandela — a soul that travels with light and purpose wherever that purpose may lead.”
Suchitra: “Blessed to have had the honour of meeting you Madiba. You leave the world a better place. RIP Nelson Mandela.”
Jackky Bhagnani: “Nelson Mandela is no more a man who taught people that with love one can change the face of a nation. The most loved leader after Gandhiji. He was inspired by Gandhjii. A Gandhian at heart he fought against apartheid using non-violence. Later he became the first black President of South Africa. The World will miss a leader like u sir. RIP Nelson Mandela.”
