The untimely demise of NBA star Kobe Bryant has shocked his fans in the film industry with superstars Akshay Kumar, Venkatesh Daggubati and Ranveer Singh remembering the basketball legend as a constant inspiration.
Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday in suburban Los Angeles that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.
Akshay was one of the firsts from the Hindi film industry to pay tributes to the former Los Angeles Lakers star.
"Speechless, the world has lost a Legendary Athlete, R.I.P The #BlackMamba of Basketball, Kobe Bryant & his daughter, Gianna. What you have done for so many kids including my niece whom you inspired to play basketball every day of her childhood, may you both comfort each other in heaven," he posted on Twitter.
Calling Bryant, "one of the most fabulous players the world has ever seen", Venkatesh said, "You will be missed, Kobe. May all those beautiful souls rest in peace."
Actor Priyanka Chopra credited the basketball player for igniting her love for the sport and motivating many to strive for excellence.
"He inspired an entire generation. His legacy is so much bigger than basketball. This heartbreaking accident also took the life of his young daughter, Gianna. I'm shook and so saddened.
"My heart goes out to Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri Bryant. You are in my thoughts. Also sending my condolences to the loved ones of the other family and pilot in the accident. Being at tonight's Grammys ceremony in his home at the Staples Centre is going to be surreal," Priyanka, who attended the ceremony with husband Nick Jonas, posted on Instagram.
Ranveer shared Bryant's picture on the photo/video sharing website and wrote, "#rip #kobe Mamba Forever".
Actor Arjun Kapoor tweeted, "Life is fickle, it all eventually feels kind of pointless. R.I.P @kobebryant".
"Life is so unpredictable! RIP #KobeBryant and Gianna. My condolences with all the families of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash," actor Sidharth Malhotra posted on Twitter.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan said he was heartbroken.
"He was such an inspiration. Thoughts and prayers to his family and especially with his daughter Gianna," he tweeted.
Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar said, "What a tragedy. #KobeBryant. #GiannaBryant RIP Deepest condolences to his family and wish them strength at this time of unimaginable grief."
Actor and former Miss Universe Lara Dutta shared a throwback picture with Bryant and wrote,"Heartbreaking to wake up to news like this. He had no clue who this basketball loving Bollywood actress was, but he was warm, he was funny and he was inclusive."
Actor Madhuri Dixit said she was devastated with the news.
"This is just so heartbreaking. The untimely death of #KobeBryant and his daughter is so devastating. He was one of the best basketball players who inspired millions of people. My deepest condolences to all the grieving families," she said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
