Mumbai: Bollywood actors took to social media to express their shock and mourn the demise of retired NBA star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
The 41-year-old basketball legend, popularly known as Black Mamba, and his 13-year-old daughter were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday.
Superstar Akshay Kumar tweeted: "Speechless... The world has lost a Legendary Athlete R.I.P The 'Black Mamba' of Basketball, Kobe Bryant along with his daughter, Gianna who tragically lost their lives in a Helicopter crash on their way to coach his Daughters team in California yesterday... My Heart goes out to their Family. 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...Love & Prayers"
Abhishek Bachchan, who is a basketball enthusiast, shared on Instagram: "Heartbroken. #ripkobebryant He was such an inspiration. Thoughts and prayers to his family and especially with his daughter Gianna. #Lakernation #mambaforever #8 #24"
Priyanka Chopra recalled her experience of meeting him for the first time and shared a photo with the late NBA star.
The actor wrote on Instagram: "Kobe Bryant was my first real introduction to the NBA. I was 13 living in Queens NYC, the same age as his sweet little girl, Gianna. He ignited my love for the sport, competition, and striving 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 Center is going to be surreal. #RIP #KobeBryant #RIPMamba".
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Rishi Kapoor tweeted a picture of his son Ranbir Kapoor with the late basketball "legend".