He was very professional. He was the best at all levels -- as a friend, human and actor. He played a variety of roles throughout his life. In my films, he has played a villain as well as a good man, like in Pardes, where he sings I love my India.

In Kisna, he plays a villain in a brief role. He was not well, but I insisted he play the role because I wanted to encourage him to live further, that he should work. I wanted him to play a role in Kisna, however small it may be. We had a relationship like brothers.

That was his final role. It was a brief role, but he did it well.

During the shooting, he never said he was unwell. Of course, we knew he was not well. We gave him the best comforts. He gave the role his full energy and played all the shots with gusto.

He was a karmayogi. He was lucky that he died working. He was truly a top star.

Interviews: Raja Sen, Patcy N, Vickey Lalwani
Design: Uday Kuckian