MUMBAI: The untimely demise of NBA star Kobe Bryant has shocked his fans in the film industry with popular celebrities Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, and Ranveer Singh among others remembering the basketball legend as a constant inspiration.

Bryant, 41, died, in a helicopter crash on Sunday in suburban Los Angeles that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

Akshay Kumar was one of the first from the Hindi film industry to pay tributes to the former Los Angeles Lakers star.

'Speechless, the world has lost a Legendary Athlete, R.I.P The #BlackMamba of Basketball, Kobe Bryant & his daughter, Gianna. 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,' he posted on Twitter.

Actor Priyanka Chopra credited the basketball player for igniting her love for the sport and motivating many to strive 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 shock 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,' she said.

'Being at tonight’s Grammys ceremony in his home at the Staples Centre is going to be surreal,' the actress added.

Ranveer Singh shared Bryant''s picture on the photo/video sharing website and wrote, '#rip #kobe Mamba Forever'.

Actor Arjun Kapoor tweeted, 'Life is fickle, it all eventually feels kind of pointless. R.I.P @kobebryant.'

'Life is so unpredictable! RIP #KobeBryant and Gianna. My condolences with all the families of those who lost their lives in the helicopter crash,' actor Sidharth Malhotra posted on Twitter.

Also apart from these actors tribute were also given by the others like Abhishek Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Lara Dutta, and Madhuri Dixit.