Akshay Kumar’s mother Aruna Bhatia passed away yesterday, two days after she was admitted to the intensive care unit of a city hospital.

Talking about her demise, the actor in his social media post said, “She was my core. And today I feel an unbearable pain at the very core of my existence. My maa Smt Aruna Bhatia peacefully left this world today morning and got reunited with my dad in the other world. I respect your prayers as I and my family go through this period. Om Shanti (sic).”

Akshay had returned to Mumbai from the UK on Monday, where he was shooting for a film, after learning that his mother was severely unwell. He took to social media on Tuesday to urge his fans and followers to pray for his mother’s health. “Touched beyond words at your concern for my mom’s health. This is a very tough hour for me and my family. Every single prayer of yours would greatly help (sic),” he wrote.

Some of Akshay’s friends and colleagues from the industry, including Riteish Deshmukh, Rohit Shetty and Vipul Shah, were present for the final rites, which took place yesterday morning.