Here’s What Influential Indians Had To Say About Matthew Perry’s Death
The death of Matthew Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom ‘Friends,’ has reverberated worldwide, and India is no exception. From Bollywood to the business world, influential Indians took to social media and other platforms to express their grief and pay homage to the late actor. Here’s what some of them had to say:
Bollywood Reacts
- Shah Rukh Khan
The ‘King of Bollywood’ tweeted, “Saddened to hear about the loss of Matthew Perry. Chandler’s wit and charm entertained a generation. He’ll be greatly missed. #RIPMatthewPerry.” - Priyanka Chopra Jonas
The global icon shared on Instagram: “Matthew Perry brought laughter into our homes. As someone who crossed over from Bollywood to Hollywood, I know how difficult it is to make a mark, and he did it so effortlessly.”
Business Tycoons
- Mukesh Ambani
The Reliance Industries Chairman released a statement saying, “Matthew Perry’s work transcended boundaries. His art has taught many of us in the business world valuable lessons about relatability and human connection.” - Ratan Tata
The philanthropist and former chairman of Tata Sons shared, “A good story, well told, can change the world. Matthew Perry proved that time and time again. He’ll be missed.”
Comedy and Television
- Vir Das
Stand-up comedian Vir Das tweeted, “When it came to delivering a line, no one did it like Matthew Perry. As a comedian, I’ve always admired his timing. A big loss for the world of comedy.” - Kapil Sharma
The television personality said, “In India, families gather to watch reruns of ‘Friends.’ It’s a ritual for many, and Matthew Perry was an integral part of that experience.”
Social Activists
- Kailash Satyarthi
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate shared, “Matthew Perry’s openness about his struggles with addiction has helped in breaking stigmas and encouraged dialogue about mental health.”
Sports
- Sachin Tendulkar
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted, “Just like cricket unites us in India, ‘Friends’ united us with the world. Matthew Perry was a vital stitch in that fabric.”
Politicians Weigh In
- Shashi Tharoor
The Member of Parliament and author took to Twitter to say, “As someone who’s written about the soft power of Hollywood, Matthew Perry’s influence is palpable. A sad loss for America and for all who appreciated his talent.” - Smriti Irani
Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, shared an Instagram post saying, “As a woman in politics, I know the power of media to shape perspectives. Matthew Perry, in his unique way, contributed to changing attitudes and bringing joy.”
The Tech Industry
- Sundar Pichai
Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, also expressed his condolences, stating, “Matthew Perry brought people together, much like how technology aims to. His work will be remembered for its impact on global culture.” - Nandan Nilekani
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani remarked, “In a world constantly evolving with technology, Perry proved that some things, like the human ability to connect through story and humour, remain constant.”
From The World of Literature
- Arundhati Roy
Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy penned an op-ed noting, “Perry’s Chandler was the epitome of urban angst, something we can all relate to, no matter where we are from.” - Chetan Bhagat
Best-selling author Chetan Bhagat tweeted, “Matthew Perry made awkward cool, and that’s something a lot of us in India could relate to. A significant loss.”
Music Industry’s Tribute
- A.R. Rahman
The Oscar-winning composer said, “Music and laughter are universal languages. Matthew Perry spoke the latter fluently, and for that, he will always be remembered.” - Neha Kakkar
Popular playback singer Neha Kakkar posted on her Instagram, “His ability to make people laugh was a gift, a form of healing that’s so needed in the world today.”
Final Thoughts
From politics to technology, literature to sports, Matthew Perry’s influence has stretched far and wide, even reaching the diverse and dynamic land of India. The tributes from Indian icons serve as a reflection of the impact he had not just as an actor, but as a global cultural phenomenon.
The outpouring of heartfelt tributes from various fields in India signals the end of an era. Matthew Perry was not just an actor but a cultural touchstone who transcended his medium to impact people from all walks of life. His death serves as a reminder of the universal language of art and its power to cross borders and impact diverse communities.