Dara Singh memories: Bollywood pours tribute

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: The great Dara Singh is no more. The sad news came at 7.30 in the morning today via an sms from Dara Singh’s son Vindu Dara Singh. Dara Singh suffered a massive cardio respiratory arrest on 7 July following which the actor had a brain damage. Bollywood woke up to a rude shock when they got to know about the demise of the great wrestler-actor. People from the fraternity spoke to the media and shared their experience of working with the legendary actor. Anupam Kher: It’s unfortunate. He was the most amazing person. He was a man with a golden heart. He was the first real ‘hero’ of films. Even though he was so strongly built, he never used to throw his weight around people. He was so humble. As a struggling actor and as fan when I went to see him once, the mega personality of that era was kind enough to acknowledge my presence. Om Puri: I had the opportunity to work with him in two films, and it was a great experience. He was a sweetheart. Even though he had a dominating persona, he was shy and took his work seriously. His death has left void which wouldn’t be filled for long. Subhash Ghai: The way he was lived life should be an example for all of us. I still remember when I worked with him in ‘Karma’ he had great respect for the work and was an inspiration for other actors as well as me. He lived a complete life. Today he is no more with us, I am really bereaved, but I feel for a strong man like him, his departure should be celebrated. Mahesh Bhatt: He was a fascinating pehlwan of our film industry. Memories of this warm `pehlwan` turned actor flicker in my memory. When childhood heroes die the world looks desolate. He was rooted to our motherland. His mere presence made us all feel proud. One cannot celebrate 100 years of cinema unless we celebrate the greatness of the man called Dara Singh. Sajid Khan: It’s extremely sad. The iconic figure of Bollywood is no more. He was the symbol of strength. He was a father like figure for me. The loss is irreparable. Some Bollywood celebs took to Twitter to offer their prayers: Amitabh Bachchan - Dara Singh ji passed away this morning. A great Indian and one of the finest humans..An entire era of his celebrated presence gone ! Rana Daggubati - RIP Dara Singh!! Our childhood hero no more!! Rajat Kapoor - RIP dara singh saheb- now hopefully we`ll have a retrospective of his films.. Shoojit Sircar ? - As a kid always new one man will save us from all monsters..it`s Dara Singh....thot he can`t loose....he is no more...RIP.. Shah Rukh Khan - Wrestlers r made of sweat,determination & a hard to find alloy called guts...most apt for Dara Singhji our very own Superman.Will miss u sir Farah Khan - The gentlest giant is no more.Dara uncle the 1st ever action hero of our country,rest in peace Abhishek Bachchan - Dara ji passes away. Had the honour of working with him in Shararat. The most gentle and kind man. Really looked up to him. Will miss him. He was always so loving and gave the best hugs. Remember meeting him for the 1st time while dad was shooting Mard. Was convinced….That he truly was the only human who could not be pulled apart by even airplanes. Akshay Kumar: Sad to know the great Dara Singh ji is no more. Some more goodness taken away from us... He was Hanuman for every kid and the God of all wrestlers, the original action hero who truly inspired me. May his soul rest in peace. Vivek Oberoi: Rip daraji,the original He Man of hindi cinema, the darling grandfather,the stalwart. U will always remain larger than life in our memories! Karan Johar: RIP DARA SINGH.....have the most heartfelt memories..... Ayushmann Khurrana: My first internship was at Dara studios Mohali for Zee Punjabi during my Panjab University days. The man was full of life. RIP Dara Singh ji Deepika Padukone: Dara Singh ji was LARGER than life but never made anyone feel dwarfed with his presence. The strongest and the humblest. A Hero All The Way. Neha Dhupia: RIP Dara Singh Ji ... Our asli He-man ! My condolences to the family. Shahid Kapoor: RIP dara sigh ji ....... Was a privilege to have know n him and worked with him Sujoy Ghosh: my dad made me watch most of Dara Singh's b&w films. them were the adventures, esp Faulaad. I believed everything Dara Singh did. He could. “Dara Singh, till the very end fought very bravely and even in the hospital he was like a Dara Singh,” his family doctor said. Dara Singh will be cremated in the evening today.