RIP Kobe Bryant: Rishi Kapoor shares Ranbir Kapoor’s photo with late basketball legend

The untimely demise of NBA star Kobe Bryant has shocked his fans in the film industry with actors Rishi Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ben Affleck, and others remembering the basketball legend as a constant inspiration. Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday in suburban Los Angeles that also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

Rishi shared a picture of Kobe with his actor son Ranbir Kapoor. The photo shows Kobe towering over Ranbir as the two smiles for the camera. “Ranbir with the legend the late Kobe Bryant,” he wrote. “Checked with Ranbir. Being an ardent fan of the game and Kobe himself, he was especially taken to watch a game Lakers v/s New York Nicks at the Madison Sq. Gardens, NY. After the game, he gave his shoes and autographed it to Ranbir. This is during Anjana Anjani shoot in NY,” he added. 

He later added, “Checked with Ranbir. Being an ardent fan of the game and Kobe himself, he was especially taken to watch a game Lakers v/s New York Nicks at the Madison Sq. Gardens, NY. After the game, he gave his shoes and autographed it to Ranbir. This is during “Anjana Anjani” shoot in NY.”

Ranbir with the legend the late Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/Y7J9CfIKgd

— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) January 27, 2020

Priyanka credited the basketball player for igniting her love for the sport and motivating many to strive for excellence. “He inspired an entire generation. His legacy is so much bigger than basketball. This heartbreaking accident also took the life of his young daughter, Gianna. I’m shook and so saddened. My heart goes out to Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri Bryant. You are in my thoughts. Also sending my condolences to the loved ones of the other family and pilot in the accident. Being at tonight’s Grammys ceremony in his home at the Staples Centre is going to be surreal,” Priyanka, who attended the ceremony with husband Nick Jonas, posted on Instagram.

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Kobe Bryant was my first real introduction to the NBA. I was 13 living in Queens NYC, the same age as his sweet little girl, Gianna. He ignited my love for the sport, competition, and striving for excellence. He inspired an entire generation. His legacy is so much bigger than basketball. This heartbreaking accident also took the life of his young daughter, Gianna. I’m shook and so saddened. My heart goes out to Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri Bryant. You are in my thoughts. Also sending my condolences to the loved ones of the other family and pilot in the accident. Being at tonight’s Grammys ceremony in his home at the Staples Center is going to be surreal. 💔 #RIP #KobeBryant #RIPMamba

A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:21pm PST

Bryant, 41, and his daughter were expected at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for a basketball game scheduled for Sunday afternoon (local time), CNN reported. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters that as per a manifest, nine people -- including the pilot -- were on board the helicopter that crashed on a hillside. No one survived the crash, Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Daryl Osby said. Officials did not reveal the identity of the victims.