Mumbai: Former superstar Shammi Kapoor today (July 23, 2004) said that Mehmood was the 'best comedian we had that time'.

"He was a very very versatile actor we had our time," Shammi Kapoor said in his condolence message.

Describing Mehmood as a 'fine man' and a long time friend, Shammi Kapoor remembered their association in the film, 'Dil Tera Deewana', which he said was the comedian's best performance.

Apart from that, Mehmood's performance in `Padoson' and `Kunwara Baap' will also be remembered, Shammi Kapoor said, adding that he was not in touch with the comedian for a long time and had learnt that he (Mehmood) had shifted to the United States for treatment.

Noted actor of yesteryears and Shammi Kapoor's younger brother, Shashi Kapoor has also condoled Mehmood's death.

Shashi Kapoor said although he did not work much with the comedian, his first memories about him were when as a child artist he worked with Tabassum in film `Sangram' of Bombay Talkies, where Mehmood also played a small role.

"We met for the first time during the film when I was hardly 12 years old. Later we worked together in 'Biradari, Pyar Kiye Ja,' but my elder brother Shammi worked more with him", Shashi Kapoor said.

Kapoor said he knew Mehmood was ill for quite some time and he had also learnt from his son about his illness last year.