Amitabh Bachchan, Lata Mangeshkar remember Akkineni Nageshwara Rao

Remembering him as a "wonderful human being", megastar Amitabh Bachchan and melody queen Lata Mangeshkar on Wednesday mourned the death of Telugu movie icon Akkineni Nageshwara Rao.

The 91-year-old actor, popularly known as ANR in the south film industry, passed away today morning after losing his battle with cancer.

"Another great iconic legend of cinema passes away this morning: Nageshwar Rao, of Telugu cinema, a most affable considerate human! Akkineni Nageshwar Rao, legend of Telugu cinema, formed the incredible duo with another legend NTR, leaves behind incredible legacy," Bachchan, 71, tweeted.

84-year-old Mangeshkar remembered meeting Nageshwara Rao during an award show four years ago.

"The great Telegu artist Akkineni Nageshwara Rao today left for the heavenly abode and I am deeply saddened. He was not just a great artist but a wonderful human being. I had the opportunity to meet him four years ago... I had received an award from him. May god bless his soul and I pray for his family," Mangeshkar tweeted.

Actress Sridevi also paid tribute to the actor, saying his passing away marked the end of an era in Telugu cinema.

""An era comes to end-the doyen of Telugu Cinema.RIP Nageshwar Rao Garu," Sridevi tweeted.

Director SS Rajamouli wrote: "An attitude towards life.. Wish we could learn a bit from him."

"An actor, a gentleman and a cinematic phenomena Akkineni Nageswara Rao Garu. Have learnt a lot from him. Will miss him and his performances. RIP," tweeted Anupam Kher.