Former Premier Nawaz Sharif has expressed grief at the death of legendary actor Dev Anand, describing him as a personal friend who worked for peace between India and Pakistan.

Shock and disbelief gripped the Hindi film world as the news spread about the death of Dev Anand with Bollywood stars saying an era has come to an end with the passing away of the "eveready battery".

Bollywood romantic hero and fashion icon Dev Anand has died aged 88, prompting a flood of tributes Sunday from across India's Hindi-language cinema industry.