A shadow of gloom cast over the Hindi film industry as news of veteran actor Shammi Kapoor's death spread on Sunday morning.

"It is a terrible shock. Shammi Kapoor was a wonderful human being. He is eternal, " said Kapoor's long-time co-star Saira Banu.

"Shammi ji... An entire life full of optimism and happy spirit, caring loving to all... Now suddenly silent, " tweeted actor Amitabh Bachchan.

Actor Hema Malini said: "A very sad day for the Hindi film industry.The film fraternity has lost one of the most loved actors and a much adored human being today, Shammiji.I had the most wonderful opportunity to work with him in the films- Andaz and Meera.He was a live-wire on and off the sets.

"So enthusiastic about his work and very dedicated to giving his best, Shammiji's power-packed performances touched people's hearts and his high level of energy was not limited to acting."

"His presence anywhere drew attention. Although he was at the end of his career when I acted with him in Andaz, I was simply amazed at the way he performed the number, 'Dil, use do jo jaan dede, jaan....', " she said.

"The beloved Shri.Shammi Kapoor will be forever in the hearts and minds of every actor and film enthusiast as today marks the end of a youthful era, " Malini tweeted.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur tweeted: "The great iconic Shammi Kapoor who defined an era n influenced music, dance n song even today has passed away, leaving a hollow vioid."

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt said: "The narrative of Shammi Kapoor will not end with his passing away. His movies will continue to enchant the future generations!"

Actor Anupam Kher tweeted: "Shammi Kapoor ji was one of d 1st Youth Icons from Cinema. He liberated actors from being stereo types. Will miss his STYLE and SUBSTANCE."

"Mr. Shammi Kapoor. Never before - Never again. Thank you for the wonderful cinematic memories and life lessons. RIP, " posted actor-director Farhan Akhtar on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Filmmaker Karan Johar said: "One of finest and strongest men I knew...we will truly miss you shammi uncle....RIP...."

"Gonna miss @shamsheraj. Teesri Manzil changed the thought of cinema-a suspense thriller with the greatest music! His each take was flawless! There's never gonna be someone as magical as him on screen! Its a personal loss. He inspired my music a lot. The Elvis on India, " said singer Shweta Pandit.

"Shammi Kapoor directed his last film Bandalbaaz (1976) with Rajesh Khanna and my aunt Sulakshana Pandit, " she tweeted.

Actor Priyanka Chopra said: "Sometimes no amount of kind words can compensate for a loss! bhole baba ki jai shammi maharajji.. he was our guruji..im at a loss."

"He was an inspiration not just for his style and the films he did, but also his attitude towards life...we will miss you Shammi uncle...#RIP, " tweeted actor Deepika Padukone.

"Tumne mujhko hansna sikhaya!rone kahoge ro denge ab! R I p shammi kapoor, " said actor Divya Dutta.

"One of the biggest star of the century... R.I.P. Shammi kapoor sahab.., " tweeted singer Abhijit Sawant.

"A great man, with great achievements, moves on to a greater calling. We will miss you Shammi Kapoor!! R.I.P, " said actor Ronit Bose Roy.

"RIP Shammi Kapoor. Love and peace, " tweeted actor Shruti Seth.

"RIP Shammi Ji.. End of a legend, "actor Madhavan posted on Twitter.

"Mr. Shammi Kapoor, RIP. You danced like nobody was watching, " said music composer-singer Vishal Dadlani.

"RIP shammi kapoor ji. Bas ye yaad rakhna ki sabko ek din aisey hi jaana hai, " posted actor-filmmaker Kamaal R Khan.

"RIP SHAMMI KAPOOR- the most stylish actor ever- we love you n we will miss you, " tweeted actor Riteish Deshmukh.

"Shamsher Raj Kapoor 1931-2011. May you rest in peace sir!" tweeted actor Ashmit Patel.

"Another legend passes away..Shammiji Kapoor..Such a jovial and positive person..had the good fortune of interacting with him, " said actor Aftab Shivdasani.

"Deeply saddened at Shammi Kapoor's passing away. So full of life and energy on screen now no more-we loved you so much..may you rest in peace, " tweeted actor Tisca Chopra.

"Shammi ji no one can take the place of all the "Yahoos" of our indian hearts who loved u.. u will be missed deeply by us all, " tweeted actor Celina Jaitley.

"Worked with him in my debut TV show in 1994. Great man, Great actor. What a loss. Love you sir, " said director Anubhav Sinha.

Actor Anjana Sukhani tweeted: "Its actually spooky...was watchin shammi kapoor songs last ngt wth friends on youtube nd got up wth the news of his passing away..RIP."

"One of the saddest days...not just for Indian cinema but for India as a whole...rest in peace Shammi Kapoor, " tweeted social commentator Suhel Seth.

"A sad moment for the Indian film Industry indeed. A super star icon and super human being passes away. RIP Shammi Kapoor. You will be missed, " tweeted jewellery designer Farah Ali Khan.

Kapoor died in Mumbai on Sunday morning, said family sources. He was 79.

Kapoor, who was suffering from renal failure for years, breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital around 5.15 am.

Doctors said his condition worsened since last night.

Shammi Kapoor, born as Shamsher Raj Kapoor on 21 October 1931, was a prominent lead actor in Hindi cinema during the late 1950s and 1960s.