When Kobe Bryant gifted Ranbir Kapoor pair of his favorite sneakers, Rishi shares pic

The tragic and untimely demise of NBA star Kobe Bryant has shocked his fans in the film industry with superstars Akshay Kumar, Arjun Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, and Ranveer Singh 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.

Remembering the legend, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor took to his Twitter handle to share a picture of his son Ranbir meeting Kobe Bryant in 2010 when he was shooting in New York. The actor met the basketball player at a Lakers vs Knicks game. An NBA enthusiast, Ranbir Kapoor later also got a pair of Kobe's giant sneakers and a jersey as a gift.

Kobe Bryant death: Sachin Tendulkar gives condolences to NBA legend's family on Twitter

Ranbir is not the only one who has met Kobe in the past. Bollywood actor Dino Morea and Lara Dutta too met the legend. Actor and former Miss Universe Lara Dutta shared a throwback picture with Bryant and wrote, "Heartbreaking to wake up to news like this. He had no clue who this basketball-loving Bollywood actress was, but he was warm, he was funny and he was inclusive."

Kobe Bryant death: Packers' Za'Darius Smith pays sack-dance tribute in Pro Bowl game

Tributes pour in

Actor Abhishek Bachchan said he was heartbroken. "He was such an inspiration. Thoughts and prayers to his family and especially with his daughter Gianna," he tweeted. 

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar said, "What a tragedy. #KobeBryant. #GiannaBryant RIP Deepest condolences to his family and wish them strength at this time of unimaginable grief."

Actor Madhuri Dixit said she was devastated with the news. 

US politician Adam Schiff pays tribute to Kobe Bryant, calls him 'greatest player'

"This is just so heartbreaking. The untimely death of #KobeBryant and his daughter is so devastating. He was one of the best basketball players who inspired millions of people. My deepest condolences to all the grieving families," she said.

(With PTI inputs)