From the dizzying heights of fame to quiet shadows behind the arclights, Rajesh Khanna's life had a theatrical sweep, almost like one of his films. In his career spanning almost five decades, the actor featured in about 160 films, starting with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966.īollywood's original superstar - simply the phenomenon to some - leaves behind memories cast in celluloid of that famous crooked smile and head tilt. He added dignity to our concept of romance." He introduced us to a special twinkle in the eyes that made us feel good about ourselves. Summarising the phenomenon that Rajesh Khanna was, Anupam Kher said that "he gave us a crash course in romance. Rajesh's death has brought the curtains down on an era in Hindi cinema - an era he defined with his prowess in romantic and emotional roles, an art that has inspired and continues to inspire several young actors and his legion of fans. Thousands of his fans and industry members are expected to turn up for the funeral, scheduled at 11.30 a.m. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni were amongst the political leaders who condoled the death of the star. His family - estranged wife Dimple Kapadia and daughters Twinkle and Rinke - were by his side during his last moments, those close to the family said.įilm celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Sajid Khan, Farah Khan and Prem Chopra came to his residence to pay their respects after news of his demise spread. Though family members maintained he was "fine", Rajesh was said to be critical Wednesday morning and breathed his last at his Bandra home.
Just a week after he was discharged, he was back to the hospital bed due to "weakness", but was allowed to go home soon after. On June 23, Kaka - as he was popularly known in the film world - was in the hospital, and the stay stretched for 15 days. He was a shadow of himself, gaunt and ravaged by illness, with glares covering the famous face that would once reduce women to a swoon. A day later, he stepped out in the company of Akshay Kumar and estranged wife Dimple Kapadia to tell his fans that all is well. When news of his critical health first came out on June 20, legion of his fans expressed concern. "He has gone to a nice and heavenly place, we are happy about that," Rajesh's son-in-law Akshay Kumar, married to his elder daughter Twinkle, said after his death around 10 a.m. His demise brought back memories of the charmer, lover and hero that he was to his family, fans and well-wishers. Rajesh, Bollywood's first superstar and perhaps the only one to have reached those dazzling heights of fame, died at his home Ashirwad after a long battle with suspected liver problems. Mumbai, Jul 18 (IANS): Rajesh Khanna, who epitomised superstardom in Hindi cinema in the 1970s with such immortals as "Anand", "Kati Patang" and "Aradhana", left for a "nice and heavenly place" Wednesday morning, his son-in-law and actor Akshay Kumar announced.
'Achcha to Hum Chalte Hain': Rajesh Khanna Bids a Quiet Adieu