Mumbai, Aug 26 (IANS): Bollywood Sunday mourned the death of the veteran A.K. Hangal, with Shabana Azmi saying that his passing away marked the end of an era.

Hangal died Sunday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 97. Celebrities took to Twitter to express their grief and sorrow. Among the reactions:

Shekhar Kapur: A.K. Hangal. Lifetime dedicated to the art of acting in theatre. Will always be remembered by his films.

Shabana Azmi: A.K. Hangal no more... An era comes to an end. Theatre and films were enriched by him.

Farhan Akhtar: A stalwart of Indian theatre and films is no more. RIP A.K. Hangal.

Anupam Kher: The Marathon Man of Hindi cinema reaches the final winning post. We will miss you Hangal saab. RIP.

Kunal Kohli: 'Itna sannata kyon hai bhai'...RIP A.K. Hangal sir

Arshad Warsi: I had the pleasure of working with A.K. Hangal in "Tere Mere Sapne", my first film... May his soul rest in peace.

Mahesh Bhatt: Adieux Hangal saab! What an innings!

Kunal Kemmu: I remember receiving the Balraj Sahani trophy at IPTA (Indian People's Theatre Association) from A.K. Hangal. RIP sir