Pran no more

Legendary actor passed away on July 12th leaving behind a legacy in Indian film industry and a history of films  and roles he played, he will be always remembered for. A gentleman, family person , perfectionist, very few can achieve what Pran accomplished over six decades of his career.

Before tributes began pouring in and world wakes up to learn about his demise, this piece is just a reverent homage to man most respected, admired and loved by every one in the industry and by his fans across the world. Once I wished him on his birthday through an email and quickly came the reply with his autograph and few pictures .

Every year thereafter, I made a point to send him wishes and always there was a response.

Once a woman mentioned that only actor she would always hate was Pran shows the impact he had with characters he played. Same Actor who always excelled in negative roles changed his image with film Upkar and left an I indelible print on the minds of filmgoers. That role till today, stands out and "Upkar"is one of his signature films.

His cremation was done on July13th Surprisingly, very few film personalities turned up to pay homage.Amitabh, Shatrughan Sinha, Danny, Gulzar, Karan Johar, Raza Muraad, Pankaj Dheer, Shakti Kapoor were the only present.
If Twitter is platform to say everything, many of course posted their message on social media platforms.
Somewhere, personal values and respect for relations are on low ebb. Many were reacting for not having most of film artistes showing up to pay respect for a senior artiste like Pran.

Was it  a rainy day or other engagements or total disregard for one who gave so much to industry, will be known soon but this is not becoming unusual now a days. Only when publicity and need are sought, most film fraternity gather whatever be the occasion. Be a party thrown or an award function, people travel thousands of miles to attend but on a sombre and sad day, when some one is no more, few think it proper to attend the last journey and bid adieu to  a colleague.

All said, Pran will be remembered for years to come and will be part of glorious history of Indian Cinema. He needed no recognition, love, respect as he always had abundance of everything.
Some one pays respect or not doesn't matter to  one who is gone but it pains every one who was close to Pran sahib.

A tweet from Dilip kumar mentioned how he and Pran enjoyed lighter moments and Punjabi jokes  together
Other tweeted:
Amitabh Bachchan:

Pran Saheb 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 !"

Shah Rukh Khan:

"Why do icons who shaped our lives and emotions have to go away? U will sir, remain etched in our hearts. Allah bless ur soul Pran Sahib"

Riteish Deshmukh: SHER KHAN u will live for ever- RIP Pran Saab
Preity Zinta: R.I.P Pran Saheb ! Did not know him personally but heard he was a perfect gentleman with a heart of gold ! May your soul rest in Peace...
Madhur Bhandarkar: Extremely saddened by the demise of the LEGENDARY PRANSAAB, who revolutionised Villainy on Indian Celluloid !!!
Abhishek Kapoor: oh dear.. RIP Pran saab.. thank you for all those wonderful movies
Manoj Bajpayee: May pran saab's soul rest in peace!in an industry of hero an villain he ruled the space he was given.thank you praan saab!
Sophie Choudry: Just heard the news. End of an era. RIP #Pran Saab. U will always be our Sher Khan. #Legend

Kabir Bedi: Farewell Pran sahib, Godfather of Indian villains, your legendary characters illuminated the annals of Indian cinema. Deepest respects. RIP

Smriti Z Irani: Its 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.
Anupam Kher: Final Curtain Call for one of the Most Loved Actors of Indian Cinema. An Actor & A Gentleman. Pran Saab- We will miss you & your Warmth.RIP