Choreographer Shiva Shankar Master succumbs to COVID-19, Sonu Sood left 'heartbroken'

Shiva Shankar Master, a national award-winning choreographer, on November 28, succumbed to COVID-19. He was 72. Many film personalities took to social media to mourn the death of the dancing legend, including Bollywood actor Sonu Sood. The actor, who had earlier promised to foot Shiva Shankar's medical expenses, penned an emotional note and said he was 'heartbroken.' He wrote, 'Heartbroken to hear about the demise of Shiv Shankar masterji. Tried our best to save him but God had different plans. Will always miss you masterji. May almighty give strength to the family to bear this loss. Cinema will always miss u sir.' Reportedly unable to pay the hospital bills, Shiva Shankar Master's family had approached Sonu Sood and he had been in constant touch with them, regularly taking his health updates. After many people from the South film industries tweeted about Shiva Shankar's critical state, Sonu had stepped up and also tweeted responding to one such post. He had said, 'I am already in touch with the family. Will try my best to save his life'. Furthermore, he also urged others to come forward and help the South dancing legend. A news agency quoted him as saying: 'It's really sad to see what's happening with Shiva Shankar Master fighting for his life, his younger son is also fighting the same battle. It's my humble request for everyone to stand in solidarity and come forward to help the legend who has given so much to the industry. I'm doing my bit and everyone also should.' Besides Sonu Sood, filmmaker SS Rajamouli, Chiranjeevi, Anee, Baba Bhaskar and many others mourned Master's passing. SS Rajamouli penned, 'Sad to know that renowned choreographer Shiva Shankar Master garu has passed away. Working with him for Magadheera was a memorable experience. May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to his family.' Chiranjeevi walked down memory lane and recalled how Master had choreographed for his debut film 'Khaidi' as an associate dance master and looked back at their last meeting on the sets of his upcoming release 'Acharya'.