End of an era with Dara Singh: Film industry

Singh, who was battling for life since the last five days, lost his fight with death early this morning. He was 83.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who played Dara Singh`s son in 1985 action film "Mard", said it was the end of an era. "Dara Singh ji passed away this morning. A great Indian and one of the finest humans... An entire era of his celebrated presence gone!," Bachchan, 69, wrote on Twitter

His son Abhishek Bachchan, who also worked with Dara Singh in one of his early films "Shararat", said the wrestler gave the best hugs. "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."

Shah Rukh Khan said, "Wrestlers are made of sweat, determination and a hard to find alloy called guts... Most apt for Dara Singhji our very own Superman. Will miss you sir."

Director Imtiaz Ali, who cast Dara Singh as a stern but lovable grandfather in `Jab We Met`, said, "It`s a great loss... It`s sad that he is not with us now. I wish for peace for the departed soul and his family. I was following up on what was happening with his health recently."

Director Sajid Khan said Singh, who had worked with his father in many films, was like a father figure. "I feel I have lost my father again. He was a very nice human being. I feel India has lost its symbol of strength."

"Sad to know the great Dara Singh ji is no more. Some more goodness taken away from us... He was Hanuman for every kid...," posted Akshay Kumar.

`Kahaani` director Sujoy Ghosh recalled watching Dara Singh`s films with his father. "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," Ghosh wrote.

"RIP DARA SINGH.....have the most heartfelt memories...," posted Karan Johar.

"RIP dara sigh ji ... Was a privilege to have know him and worked with him," wrote Shahid Kapoor.

Director Shekhar Kapur wrote, "RIP Dara Singh. At grand old age he used to stride down Juhu beach, body erect, smile on his face at a pace faster than 20 year olds."

"RIP Dara Singh Ji!," Bipasha Basu wrote.

"RIP Rustam-e-Hind. The strong man of India will be miss dearly," Madhur Bhandarkar posted.

"RIP Dara Singh ji... The Original Indian Super Hero!," Shirish Kunder tweeted.