Hangal died Sunday morning after a prolonged illness. He was 97. Celebrities took to Twitter to express their grief and sorrow. Among the reactions:
Shekhar Kapur: A.K. Hangal. Lifetime dedicated to the art of acting in theatre. Will always be remembered by his films.
Shabana Azmi: A.K. Hangal no more... An era comes to an end. Theatre and films were enriched by him.
Farhan Akhtar: A stalwart of Indian theatre and films is no more. RIP A.K. Hangal.
Anupam Kher: The Marathon Man of Hindi cinema reaches the final winning post. We will miss you Hangal saab. RIP.
Kunal Kohli: 'Itna sannata kyon hai bhai'...RIP A.K. Hangal sir
Arshad Warsi: I had the pleasure of working with A.K. Hangal in "Tere Mere Sapne", my first film... May his soul rest in peace.
Mahesh Bhatt: Adieux Hangal saab! What an innings!
Kunal Kemmu: I remember receiving the Balraj Sahani trophy at IPTA (Indian People's Theatre Association) from A.K. Hangal. RIP sir