Dara Singh was a gem of a man, earthy and robust: Dilip Kumar

Bollywood thespian Dilip Kumar has described late wrestler-actor Dara Singh as a "gem" with "a heart of gold".

"Dara was a gem of a man, earthy and robust, with a heart of gold. I pray for his soul and for the family to bear the loss with fortitude," tweeted Dilip Kumar

Dara Singh, considered Bollywood's first macho man, died in Mumbai on Thursday morning following a brief illness. He was 84.

The man of steel was last seen in the Kareena Kapoor-Shahid Kapoor starrer Jab We Met as the stern, lovable 'Daarji'

Several fans and tinsel town celebrities paid their last respects to the star at his funeral on Thursday afternoon.