Mumbai, Dec 6 (IANS): The Indian film fraternity paid tribute to anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela Friday and remembered him as "a man of will, belief and perseverance" and "torch bearer of peace and harmony".

South Africa's first black president Mandela, who died Thursday, was an icon for ending the much-reviled apartheid system, a colossus who strode over world politics and a staunch Gandhian. He was 95

Bollywood celebrities Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Shabana Azmi, Satish Kaushik and others paid their tributes to the Nobel Peace Prize winner via micro-blogging site Twitter:

Amitabh Bachchan: Nelson Mandela - a giant of a man of will, belief and perseverance, passes away. But leaves behind a legacy of fight for right! I had the greatest honour to meet and spend time with him on two occasions. His humility his greatest asset, among countless other!

Shabana Azmi: Privileged to have met Mandela twice. Gentle giant. The world has lost its tallest leader but his presence will remain.

Akshay Kumar: A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. Couldn't be more true... RIP Nelson Mandela.

Satish Kaushik: Salute to a great statesman and torch bearer of peace and harmony. His teachings will keep humanity alive always. RIP Nelson Mandela.

Kabir Bedi: Death immortalises Nelson Mandela's life. Epic journey from violence to non-violence, prisoner to president and statesman. RIP Nelson Mandela.

Daler Mehndi: My salute to the hero Nelson Mandela. May God give him comfort.

Shruti Haasan: RIP Nelson Mandela - a soul that travels with light and purpose wherever that purpose may lead.

Suchitra: Blessed to have had the honour of meeting you Madiba. You leave the world a better place. RIP Nelson Mandela.

Vishal Dadlani: Nelson Mandela, RIP. 'Madiba' to his people, and a prophet of peace, to the world. We need his message, now, more than ever!

Rohit Roy: The man who changed the world changes his residence today.. But he will continue to live on in our hearts. Nelson Mandela RIP.

Jackky Bhagnani: Nelson Mandela is no more a man who taught people that with love one can change the face of a nation. The most loved leader after Gandhiji. He was inspired by Gandhjii. A Gandhian at heart he fought against apartheid using non-violence. Later he became the first black President of South Africa. The World will miss a leader like u sir. RIP Nelson Mandela.