Bollywood personalities take the body of Pran on his final journey in Mumbai on Saturday. (PTI)

Patna, July 13: It was 1977. Dharamveer had hit the screens. One person who was pulling the crowds was Pran, says Chote Saheb (78), who owns one of the oldest theatres in town, Ashok.

Such was the charm of Hindi film industry’s most famous villain who passed away on Friday. Chote Saheb turned nostalgic remembering the magic Pran exuded. “Of course the charm of Dharmendra saheb eclipsed all, but many also came to watch Pran’s villainous looks. That time, a ticket would cost between 75 paisa and Rs 1.50. Dharamveer continued to be screened at my theatre for almost four months. Later, the film received a Filmfare Award for the best film,” said Chote Saheb.

Saheb further said: “His film Victoria No 203 was not a hit but people appreciated his comic role. I was also fortunate enough to have met him at a wedding ceremony in Calcutta in the late 70s. He had a different charm. Though he would play villain, audiences always a soft corner for him.”

Actor Shatrughan Sinha, who has worked with him in over a dozen films, including Vishwanath, Sherni, Buniyaad and Dostana, expressed his great respect for the actor. Speaking to The Telegraph over phone from Mumbai, after attending his last rites, Sinha said: “He was a great human being and always inspired me. He was a versatile actor and a fun-loving person.” Asked about any special moment he remembers about Pran, Sinha said, “Pran saheb was very close to me. When I became Union health minister he called me twice at my residence in Patna to congratulate me. I could not attend to the first call but when I picked up the phone the next time, he said, “Arre bhai hamara bhi badhai le liya jaye (O brother take my felicitations too).”

Another actor, Ravi Kissen, who acted with Pran in Laalchee, directed by Raj N. Sippy in 1996, and again in Mrityudaata in 1997, reminisces: “I was lucky to have worked with him. I had a great time during the shooting of Laalchee in Pune. He had many facets, very honest and punctual. It was summer when the shooting was on in Pune. The director of the film asked Pran saheb to take rest in his hotel room, as there was a three-hour break. But he refused to go and spent the three hours with the rest of the crew,” said Ravi.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar, too, mourned Pran’s death, terming it a great loss for audiences. “Pran’s portrayal as villain and character actor are memorable. His contribution to Indian cinema will never be forgotten,” Nitish said in his condolence message.