Bollywood remembers legendary actor Pran!

Well-known actor Pran, the Bollywood villain audiences loved to hate, was cremated at the Shivaji Park electric crematorium on Saturday in the presence of his family and a handful of members from the Hindi film fraternity. He was 93.

Pran, who showcased his natural acting acumen in as many as over 400 projects in a span of six decades, died at the Lilavati Hospital here late Friday evening, following prolonged illness.

His family members - wife Shukla, sons Arvind and Sunil, and daughter Pinky, as well as his beloved grandchildren, along with scores of fans and colleagues from the film fraternity were in mourning. Social networking sites were also abuzz with celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar, as well as common people paying their tributes via messages and photographs.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told Pran's "versatility in etching a lasting impression on cinema audience's mind improved with time for which he was bestowed with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award."

The thespian, real name Pran Kishan Sikand, was bestowed the 44th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Lifetime Achievement earlier this year. His condition was frail, and his family and friends felt the honour came too late in the day for an actor, whose versatility and body of work set an example for generations to come.

Pran's funeral saw only a few members from the Hindi movie industry in attendance. Veteran writer Gulzar was among the early attendees, and he was followed by Karan Johar, Shakti Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha, Anupam Kher, Danny Denzongpa, Raj Babbar, as well as megastar Amitabh Bachchan and writer Salim Khan.

Some stars were expected to pay their last respects to the thespian, but many like Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Arjun Rampal, Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit chose the social networking route to say their "aakhri salaam".

Amitabh recalled Pran as a "considerate human", who was "admirable" and a "delightful companion", while Dilip Kumar recounted how he used to share Punjabi jokes with the late actor.

During his long and prolific career, Pran was marked for his roles as a villain, hero and even a character artist.

His journey began as a photographer in 1940. But a chance meeting with a film producer turned his life - he gave the actor his debut role in a movie called "Yamla Jat".

Later, when Pran moved from Lahore to Bombay (now Mumbai), with the help of renowned writer Saadat Hasan Manto and actor Shyam, Pran got a break in Bombay Talkies' film "Ziddi", in which Dev Anand played the lead role.

That set the momentum for the resourceful talent, who brought new mannerisms and style and lent new dimensions to negative characters.

If he played villain convincingly in movies like "Madhumati", "Ziddi" and "Ram Aur Shyam", with the same ease he slipped into character roles like the lovable Malang Chacha in "Upkar" or a loyal friend Sher Khan in "Zanjeer".

Among his memorable movies are "Azaad", "Madhumati", "Devdas", "Dil Diya Dard Liya", "Ram Aur Shyam", "Aadmi", "Ziddi", "Munimji", "Amardeep", "Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai", "Chori Chori", and "Chhalia".

Film stars who worked with Pran in movies speak about their association with the late actor.

Mala Sinha says, "I didn't do that many films with him. But one of my major hits, 'Dil Tera Deewana' had me, Shammi Kapoor-ji and Pran saheb sharing screen space. It was one of my most fun-filled shootings. Pran saheb was full of anecdotes and stories about the industry. He kept me regaled throughout the shooting schedules. He was a gentlemen villain. Though he played villain's roles, he was one of kindest and most helpful people in the industry. Always there for anyone who needed him. It's amazing how such a goodhearted man could play such despicable characters over and over again. But that's what being a good actor is all about."

Raakhee says, "I worked with him in a few films. Because of his villainous roles he was feared by the masses. But because of his clean, honest nature and passionate work he was loved by the film fraternity."

Hema Malini says, “It's really sad that Pran saheb is gone. But then, no one is here on earth permanently. I did some of my biggest hits like 'Naseeb', 'Nastik' and 'Kasauti' with him. He lived a long and fulfilling life. I only wish the awards and recognition were given to him when he was hale and hearty and able to enjoy the adulation."

Asha Parekh says, “I was abroad. I've just returned to hear this very sad news. The last we met was when I took Morari Bapu to meet Pran saheb. Though he was very unwell, Pran saheb recognised me and greeted me warmly. We've lost another very good human being and a brilliant actor. When Pran Saab played a villain he filled our hearts with terror. I remember when I was working as child in M.V. Raman's 'Aasha', Pran saheb showed up. I hid behind the sofa. I was so scared of him! Later of course I did many films with him, including 'Mere Sanam', 'Jab Pyar Kissise Hota Hai', 'Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon'... He was a thorough gentleman and a very considerate co-star. Even if he had to twist my hand in a scene he would ask repeatedly if I was okay. He was extremely passionate about his work. We'll miss him."

Gulshan Grover says, "Pran saheb gave dignity, star-value and a position to the 'Bad Man' in Bollywood. It is because of Pran saheb that actors like me could become stars and have a flourishing career by being bad. It's a personal loss to me. He was like a parent. He provided me with encouragement, guidance and validation."