Johnny Lever, comedian: "Mehmood was a gift to India from God. His presence of mind was so good that nobody could match it. There is not a single comedian in the film industry who was not inspired by Mehmood.

"He was always concerned about the plight of comedians in the industry. He had told me in his last days that he would like to do a stage show with me so that we could raise money. He wanted that money to be used for the comedians who are not in a good financial condition.

"When I saw his body today, I felt that if only I could have fulfilled his last wish! We must have an award after Mehmood, for the best comedian of the year."

In the picture: Viju Khote, Shubha Khote and Bhavna Khote (top); (Bottom, from left) Comedians Junior Mehmood, Manmauji, Johnny Lever, and Paintal