Rajesh Khanna passed away Wednesday following prolonged illness. His actor son-in-law Akshay Kumar says he has gone to a "nice and heavenly place".
"I regret to inform everybody my father-in-law Mr. Rajesh Khanna is no more. He has gone to a nice and heavenly place, we are happy about that. I hope everybody who is watching this can just say a small little prayer for him," Akshay told reporters here.
Kaka, as he was popularly known, is survived by wife Dimple Kapadia and daughters Twinkle and Rinke. He was 69.
He had been battling with health issues for a long time, and was admitted to the hospital in the last one month. His funeral will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
The film fraternity, country's political leaders and fans remembered with great fondness the "phenomenon" that he was.
Several celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Yash Chopra, Rishi Kapoor, Prem Chopra, Abhishek Bachchan, Anu Malik, Vindu Dara Singh, Sajid Khan, Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan turned up at the actor's Bandra residence Ashirwad.
The news of Rajesh Khanna's death came in just a week after veteran wrestler-actor Dara Singh's demise July 12.
Veteran actor Manoj Kumar told us on phone: "I could not believe that he is no more with us. Earlier it was Dara Singh, now it is Rajesh. I feel god is upset with the industry. Rajesh was a different personality. He made a mark for himself through his hard work."
In an era long before this age of instant connect of mobile phones and internet, Rajesh Khanna was the man who sparked a frenzy never seen before and never since, not even by the likes of Amitabh Bachchan.
His very name spelt magic in the 1970s. He sparked hysteria, particularly amongst his legions of women fans, who would line the road for a glimpse, chant his name, cover his car with lipstick marks and even write him letters in blood. They got married to his photograph, cut their finger, let the blood flow and applied 'sindoor'.
Truly, "O mere di ke chain"!
Kaka, as he was popularly known, was one of the highest paid actors of his time, his record of consecutive solo super hits still unbroken. Who can forget the years between 1970-1979 when he starred in mega hits like "Safar", "Kati Patang", "Sachaa Jhutha", "Aan Milo Sajna", "Anand", "Amar Prem" and "Mere Jeevan Saathi". Ever the urbane, suave romantic who wooed like few others.
Glory and fame galore came his way with the two 1969 films - "Aradhana" and "Do Raaste" - where he teamed up with two of his best co-stars, Sharmila Tagore and Mumtaz, respectively. Both the films were super hits. Hindi film's first superstar was born.
Between "Aradhana" in 1969 and "Prem Kahani" in 1975, Rajesh enjoyed god-like status.
It was all about charisma - a certain something that went beyond the art of acting. He had that unique way of delivering a dialogue, of crinkling his eyes and that interesting head tilt that were all his own - and designed to get fans swooning.
Describing the charm of Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh once said: "I got famous purely because I was working with Rajesh Khanna in 'Anand'. People asked me questions like, 'How is he to look at? What does he do?'"
The mega story had a small beginning in Amritsar. Born Jatin Arora on Dec 29, 1942, he was adopted and raised by foster parents.
He went from being Jatin to Rajesh, thanks to his uncle who changed his name, when he decided to join films.
In 1965, the journey to filmdom started after he won the All India Talent Contest organised by United Producers and Filmfare. He made his debut with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966.
It was a fairly easy road to superstardom after that.
He became the heartthrob of the nation, singing timeless melodies like "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani..." in "Aradhana", "Zindagi Ek Safar" in "Andaaz" or "Yeh Shaam Mastani" in "Kati Patang". Singer Kishore Kumar and composer R.D. Burman were amongst his closest friends.
In his four-decade career, he appeared in about 160 films, of which 106 had him as the solo lead hero and 22 were two hero projects.
Rajesh proved his mettle in offbeat films too. He teamed up with Hrishikesh Mukherjee for the critically acclaimed "Bawarchi" and "Namak Haram". The quintessential romantic also did the intense "Avishkar", directed by Basu Bhattacharya.
But then age caught up and the star began fading away.
He moved to television and played the main lead in two serials - "Ittefaque" and "Apne Paraye" during 2001-02 and also featured in "Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi" between 2008-09.
The decline to B-grade films was inevitable. There was also the sorry "Wafa" with Laila Khan, who was found murdered this July.
He dabbled in politics, being Congress MP from the New Delhi constituency from 1991-1996.
Like the Hollywood legends of yore, the personal life also had a larger than life dimension.
He fell in love with Dimple Kapadia, who was only 16 and whose first film "Bobby" was yet to release. She was 15 years younger to him but the pull was strong and they got married after a whwhirwind romance in 1973.
It was the stuff of tabloid headlines. They had two daughters Twinkle and Rinke. The marriage lasted only 11 years.
It was a lonely life for Rajesh after that. He disappeared from the headlines and appeared to be a shadow of his former self in his rare public appearances.
But the family came together in his last days. His estranged wife was the one who took care of him during his illness. Son-in-law Akshay Kumar was also a great comfort.
Rajesh reappeared in an ad a few months before his death, and once again became the talk of town - he was clearly unwell but the zest in his voice was intact as he intoned "Babumoshai" from his much loved film "Anand".
Like Anand from the film, the man is gone. But the memories will live on.
Here's what the celebrities had to say:
Anupam Kher: Rajesh Khanna gave us a crash course in romance. He introduced us to a special twinkle in the eyeS that made us feel good about ourselves. Rajesh Khanna taught us how to smile. He added dignity to our concept of Romance. His songs made us forget our daily struggles of life. Rajesh Khanna was larger than life. He was a King who gave Indian Cinema glamour, style, and substance. We will Miss you Sir. RIP.
Madhuri Dixit-Nene: Another of Hindi cinema's giants passes, Rajesh Khanna. Our sincere condolences to his family. We will miss him dearly.
Karan Johar: The magic, the mannerism, the mania of RAJESH KHANNA is inscribed in every archive of Indian cinema...forever...RIP SIR!!!
Kunal Kohli: The word superstar was used first for Rajesh Khanna. His style. His ada. His charm. His smile. His songs. His films. He. Will always live on
Prateik: Zindagi ka safar, hai yeh kaisa safar, koi samjha nahi.. - aap shayad samajh gaye. RIP Rajesh Khanna Sahab... upar Smita se zaroor milna (Do meet Smita Patil up there).
Madhur Bhandarkar: The epitome of superstardom is no more amongst us. There was none, there is none and there won't be any like you Kakaji. You will be missed.
Rahul Bose: RIP Rajesh Khanna. The Phenomenon. Thank you for the magic.
Bipasha Basu: "Loss of a Superstar! Iconic Actor! RIP Rajesh Khanna!"
Sonam Kapoor: "Rip Rajesh Khanna."
Yuvraj Singh: "Sad to hear about Mr Rajesh Khanna I hope his soul rests in peace !!"
Sonu Nigam: "Rip Rajesh Khanna sir. To Sir with Love."
Shahid Kapoor: "RIP to the 1st king of romance ...... Rajesh Khanna."
Mandira Bedi: "Sad to hear Indias 1st Super star, Rajesh Khanna is no more. RIP."
Shabana Azmi: He was d SUPERSTAR like no other Did 10 films with him Met him last at Apsara awards Pale shadow of himself but smile as winsome RIP RajeshK. I have seen old women embrace him with tears in their eyes and young girls actually swoon in his presence.hysterical and manic. Rajesh K.
Mahesh Bhatt: When we lose a loved one, something within us dies. Our generation loved Rajesh Khanna. Today, a bit of us dies with this enigmatic star.
Vishal Dadlani: Hoping that the news of Rajesh Khanna's passing is another hoax. If it's true, we've lost India's first PHENOMENON, a true megastar! Rajesh Khanna inaugurated a park in Khar, in the 1970s. It's still called RAJESH KHANNA GARDEN! Always will be! Official name became irrelevant!
Shilpa Shetty: Just heard the sad news. Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family to cope with this irreparable loss. R.I.P Rajesh Khanna, a superstar always.
Tusshar Kapoor: Rajesh Khannaji, our first superstar is no more! I worked with him in 'Kyaa Dil Ne Kaha' & learnt a lot just talking to him! May his soul RIP!
Shreyas Talpade: My first film that I saw on a VCR was 'Aradhana'. Zindagi kaisi hai paheli haaye, kabhi ye hasaye kabhi ye rulaye. RIP our very dear 'ANAND'
Divya Dutta: RIP Rajesh Khanna! The very endearing superstar of Indian cinema who brought romance a new meaning on screen! You'll be terribly missed Kakaji.
Dia Mirza: "Babumoshai eto bhalo bhasha bhalo na..."... "Anand", "Kati Patang", "Bawarchi" and many more... What a legacy you've left behind. RIP Rajesh Khannaji.
Pooja Bedi: Deeply saddened to know Rajesh Khanna is no more with us on this planet! Wish the family and all his ardent fans strength!
Manoj Bajpayee: Nafrat ki duniya ko chod ke pyar ki duniya me khush rahena mere yaar!Still remember "Haathi Mere Saathi". Saw it as a child. We will miss you sir.
We thought he would come back
Veteran actress Hema Malini is in shock after hearing about the demise of Rajesh Khanna and says she always hoped that he would recover.
"We always thought he would come back (from the hospital). We are in shock right now," Hema told a TV news channel.
Rajesh Khanna died at his Bandra residence Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 69.
Talking about her last meeting with the superstar, the actress said: "We met at Apsara Awards, at the celebration of 100 years of cinema. He spoke to us and he talked properly and looked fine."
The two worked together in films like "Andaz" and "Prem Nagar" and Hema says the news is sad and she will soon meet his family members. "I have worked with him in many films but right now this is a very sad moment and I must go and meet his family members," she said.
In June 2012, it was reported that Rajesh Khanna's health had been deterorating for some time,[118][119] On 23 June he was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai due to health complications. He was discharged on 8 July from the hospital and was reportedly fine.[120][121][122][123]
Final words of Rajesh Khanna "Time up ho gaya....pack up!!" tweeted by Amitabh Bachchan after his death
On 14 July, Khanna was readmitted to the Lilavati Hospital but was discharged on 17 July.[124][125] He died the next day at his bungalow, Aashirwad, in Mumbai due to kidney problems.[126][127][128] Dr Trivedi, a spokesman for the hospital, said that he cannot confirm the nature of the illness. However, a friend who acted as his spokesman during the illness had said his food intake had decreased over the previous days and he was "very weak." His funeral took place on 19 July at 11:00.[129] He died in the presence of his wife Dimple Kapadia, daughters Rinkie Khanna and Twinkle Khanna, son-in-law Akshay Kumar, grand children and other close relatives.[130][131] His pyre was lit by his grandson, Aarav, with the assistance of Akshay Kumar.[132] [133]
Reactions
Following his death, there was a quick spate of reactions from within the Bollywood fraternity. Hema Malini said that "we always thought he would come back [from the hospital]. We are in shock right now." His son-in-law Akshay Kumar told reporters about his death and added that "he has gone to a nice and heavenly place. I am happy that he has gone there and hope that everyone will pray for him." Others celebrities who paid homage to him at his house included, Rishi Kapoor, Prem Chopra and Sajid Khan.[129] Shah Rukh Khan reacted on Twitter in writing: "To live with intention and walk to the edge. Play with abandon, choose with no regret. Smile and made us do the same. Sir, you defined our era. Whenever life felt tough u made us feel how love could change it all. RIP." Mumtaz also added that she had memories of having working with him; while Shahid Kapoor also wrote on Twitter: "RIP to the 1st king of romance...Rajesh Khanna." Subhash Ghai added that Khanna "was the powerhouse of Hindi film industry. I met him on the sets of aaradhna, he had some kind of energy and you will be charged when he is around you. His name will be written in golden words." Madhuri Dixit wrote on Twitter that "as another of Hindi cinema's giants passes, Rajesh Khanna. Our sincere condolences to his family. We will miss him dearly." Vyjayanthimala commented that "his death is a big loss to the industry. It's my bad luck that I didn't have the chance to work with him because he came much later. I remember when he came to Chennai for some film shoot the college girls went crazy to catch a glimpse of him when he was going to his studio."[134] Manna Dey said: "He was a great actor, truly a superstar no doubt about it. I am honoured to have done playback for him. I have worked for him in several movies and actors like him are a rarity."[135] Mrinal Sen recollected how Khanna had wanted to cast him in one of his films, but the latter could not manage due to date problems. "We had met several times. Once I had wanted to cast him in one of my films but somehow that didn't work out due to his date problems." Buddhadeb Dasgupta said Khanna's acting would continue to inspire young actors in future. "He was a great actor and was the first superstar. He was a much bigger star than Amitabh Bachchan. He was a craze when we were in school and college. His acting will continue to inspire young actors of the coming generations."[136] Rituparno Ghosh said: "In the film Anand, Khanna delivered some of Indian cinema's most memorable dialogue. The use of the word babu moshai for Amitabh Bachchan, who played a Bengali doctor in the film, is so deeply etched in the minds of Indians that it has almost become a synonym for Bengalis for the rest of the countrymen. In a dhoti and kurta, you showed the rest of India how truly elegant Bengal was." Film historian S. M. M. Ausaja added: "He never acted in a Bengali cinema. But right from the late 1960s to the 70s he was the top star and worked with the top directors of his era, most of whom were Bengalis."[137] There were also reactions from the Gali Tiwaria where the his ancestral house was, and had since been converted to a temple through his donation. Songs from his movies were played as the news of his death became known. His foster brother Muni Chand Khanna said that "he used to love to play cricket when he lived here. He was a simple boy when he lived here and led a simple life even after achieving so much."[138] As were the residents of Burewala, Pakistan.[139]
Additionally, those within the political spectrum that offered their condolences included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who said that he "convey[s] my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and countless fans and admirers of Shri Rajesh Khanna." INC President Sonia Gandhi also expressed her sorrow. Regional political leaders who offered their condolences included Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee who said: "Rajesh Khanna was always a symbol of romance. His smiling face and the ability to connect with people at ease had made him popular. We lost a big pole star in the film world today;" as well as Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who added that "his death has caused irreparable loss to Hindi cinema."[129]
Condolences also came from Pakistan where Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf called Khanna a "great actor whose contribution to the field of films and arts would be long remembered. [He had a] large fan following across the borders and captivated audiences with his excellent acting skills." Ali Zafar wrote on Twitter: "Rajesh Khanna - RIP. So many fond memories from his movies and songs," while Syed Noor said: "Rajesh Khanna was such a huge actor of the subcontinent that he will be remembered by the people for many years to come. The era he reigned over is unlikely to be experienced by any other actor of this subcontinent." Geo TV also aired a nearly hour-long tribute with contributions from actors, filmmakers and musicians.
New Delhi: Rajesh Khanna, the man synonymous with the word superstar in Hindi cinema in the 1970s with immortals such as 'Anand', 'Kati Patang' and 'Aradhana', died at his Mumbai home Ashirwad on Wednesday after a long battle with kidney problems.
His demise brought back memories of the charmer, lover and hero that he was to his family, fans and well-wishers. For them, his magic will remain forever.
"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 am.
In his career spanning almost five decades, the actor featured in about 160 films, starting with 'Aakhri Khat' in 1966.
Between 'Aradhana' in 1969 and 'Prem Kahani' in 1975, he enjoyed god-like status. Women would line the road for a glimpse, chant his name, cover his car with lipstick marks and even write him letters in blood.
Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who paired in a number of hits with Rajesh Khanna, said no other actor ever had a fan following like the superstar. "He was most certainly the first superstar and with due respect to other actors, nobody created that kind of a craze after him," Sharmila says.
Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar said she was saddened by Khanna's death. "Aaj humari filmi duniya ke bohot mashhoor kalakar rajesh khanna ji, humare bich nahi rahe, mujhe bohot dukh hai, main dimple ji, unki betiyaan aur daamad in sab ke dukh me shamil hun, ishwar rajesh khanna ji ki aatma ko shanti pradan kare (Film industry has lost a famous artist today in Rajesh
Khanna. I am deeply saddened by his death. I share the grief of Dimpleji, his daughters and his son-in-law and pray that his soul rests in peace)," Mangeshkar tweeted.
Overcome with emotions after Rajesh Khanna's death, yesteryear Bollywood star Mumtaz, who acted with him in many hits, said the actor was "very close" to her even though he came across as an introvert to others. Mumtaz said she was "crying the whole morning", but was happy that she had met the ailing Khanna - 'Kaka' to his fans - in Mumbai last month, when the two discussed their respective battles with cancer.
Music contributed immensely to Rajesh Khanna's stardom and the credit goes to his successful association with singer Kishore Kumar and composer RD Burman. The trio, which churned out evergreen hits like 'Kuch to log kahenge' and 'Ye shaam mastani', established the golden era of Hindi film music.
Many of the hit songs, in films such as "Aradhana", "Kati Patang" and "Amar Prem", were penned by Anand Bakshi.
The songs 'Roop tera mastana' and 'Mere sapno ki rani' from the film "Aradhana" saw Rajesh and Kishore come together for the first time. RD had to finish the film's sound track after his father, legendary composer SD Burman, fell ill.
The film also saw the resurgence of Kishore Kumar, who eventually became the official playback voice of Khanna and the actor-singer-composer trio delivered a number of hit songs subsequently.
Later films like "Kati Patang", "Amar Prem", "Apna Desh", "Aap Ki Kasam", "Namak Haraam", "Agar Tum Na Hote", "Awaaz", "Hum Dono" and "Alag Alag" saw Rajesh, RD and Kishore weave magic together.
'Yeh Kya Hua' and 'Chingari koi bhadke' from "Amar Prem" is an all time favourite despite it being a melancholy song. 'Yeh Shaam Mastani' from "Kati Patang", another masterpiece from the hit trio, let Rajesh display his charismatic charm.
'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' from "Aap Ki Kasam" was full of oodles of fun, while 'O Mere Dil Ke Chain' from "Mere Jeevan Saathi" is probably one of the most romantic songs of all time. 'Yeh Jo Mohobbat Hai' from "Kati Patang" is another heart-touching number delivered by the trio of Rajesh, Kishore and RD.
Born as Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, Khanna was adopted and raised by foster parents. He began taking interest in acting while in school and performed in a number of plays. It was his uncle who changed Khanna's first name to Rajesh.
A pall of gloom descended on the film industry with Khanna's death with artists calling it the end of an era in Bollywood.
Saira Banu, who missed a chance of working with Khanna during his stardom days, said the actor was very humble. "I was supposed to work with him in 'Choti Bahu' but I could not because I was ill. I shot with him for two days and found that he was very charming, humble and a shy person. May his soul rest in peace," Banu said.
His contemporary Manoj Kumar was planning to meet Khanna. "I had called Dimple but she told me not to come as Rajesh Khanna was not in a position to talk...I miss him a lot and I have shared some of the best memories with him."
Veteran actress Vyjayanthimala said, "His death is a big loss to the industry. It's my bad luck that I didn't have the chance to work with him because he came much later. I remember when he came to Chennai for some film shoot the college girls went crazy to catch a glimpse of him when he was going to his studio."
Superstar Shah Rukh Khan said Khanna's smile will be missed forever. "To live with intention and walk to the edge. Play with abandon, choose with no regret. Smile and made us do the same. Sir, you defined our era. Whenever life felt tough u made us feel how love could change it all. RIP," SRK tweeted.
Rajesh Khanna epitomised a range of emotions on the big screen--from melancholy to romance-with a rich bouquet of lilting songs like 'Zindagi ek safar hai suhana' and 'Mere sapno ki raani' making his movies and characters immortal.
Bollywood's first superstar, the 69-year-old actor's mannerism, his unique style of dancing, dialogue delivery, disarming smile and the signature nod of his head added to his onscreen persona that made many a young woman's heart skip a beat.
Despite his heartthrob status as a romantic hero, Khanna essayed a variety of roles--the terminally ill Anand in the Hrishikesh Mukherjee film, a romantic airforce officer in "Aradhana", a chef in "Bawarchi", a lonely husband in "Amar Prem" and a poor medical student in "Safar".
Khanna also had a brush with politics after he stopped acting from early nineties. He won the Lok Sabha seat from New Delhi constituency in the 1991 elections.
Listen to some of the evergreen songs of Rajesh Khanna
Mumbai: Superstar Rajesh Khanna passed away on Wednesday afternoon at his residence Aashirwad in Mumbai. He was 69. He had been battling prolonged illness for a long time and finally had to bow down to it.
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The actor’s condition had been deteriorating since April when he stopped eating and had complained of weakness. He was admitted to Lilavati Hospital twice in the past month. The actor was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday but due to extreme weakness and low blood pressure, the actor was on ventilator since last night.
The actor, who shot to stardom in the 1960s, was the first 'superstar' of Indian cinema. He made his debut in 1966 in 'Aakhri Khat' after winning a talent hunt contest. At the peak of his career, he delivered 15 consecutive solo hits, a feat which no other actor has achieved so far.
He breathed his last in the presence of his wife Dimple Kapadia, daughters Rinkie and Twinkle, son-in-law Akshay Kumar, grand children and close relatives.
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His funeral will take place at 11 am tomorrow in Mumbai.
First Published: Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 13:50
Mumbai, July 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. He was 69.
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.
His demise brought back memories of the charmer, lover and hero that he was to his family, fans and well-wishers. For them, his magic will remain forever.
"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.
When news of his critical health first came out on June 20, legion of his fans expressed concern. 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.
But clearly it wasn't.
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.
On June 23, Kaka - as he was popularly known in the film world - was in the hospital, and the stay stretched for 15 days. 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.
Though family members maintained he was "fine", Rajesh was said to be critical Wednesday morning and breathed his last at his Bandra home.
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.
Film 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.
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.
Thousands of his fans and industry members are expected to turn up for the funeral, scheduled at 11.30 a.m. Thursday.
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.
Summarising the phenomenon that Rajesh Khanna was, Anupam Kher said that "he gave us a crash course in romance. He introduced us to a special twinkle in the eyes that made us feel good about ourselves. Rajesh Khanna taught us how to smile. He added dignity to our concept of romance."
In his career spanning almost five decades, the actor featured in about 160 films, starting with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966.
Between "Aradhana" in 1969 and "Prem Kahani" in 1975, he enjoyed god-like status. Women would line the road for a glimpse, chant his name, cover his car with lipstick marks and even write him letters in blood.
As the crowd swelled, Khanna's son-in-law Akshay Kumar came out of the house about half-an-hour after the news broke, and arrangements were made for chairs for visitors inside the house, to make an official announcement about the death. "My father-in-law Rajesh Khanna is no more with us," he said.
Rajesh Khanna had been in and out of hospital at least three times in the past few months, often complaining of weakness and exhaustion. He was discharged from hospital only this Monday. Sources say the family was told to take the actor home and he too wanted to go back.
One of his fans who has been visiting the hospital and residence ever since the actor was taken ill recalls: "We used to stand outside the house to get a glimpse of him but he rarely came out. We would get lucky if he decided to come out on the balcony. He was not like today's actors, who have special darshans. He was a true superstar."
Rishi Kapoor was the first to arrive at Aashirward followed by a host of other celebrities, including Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Imran Khan, Jeetendra, Abhishek Bachchan and Yash Chopra. Some politicians, including chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, came to pay condolences to the family.
KAKA KAHANI
*Before he married Dimple, Rajesh Khanna bought a lavish bungalow called Dimple from actor Rajendra Kumar and renamed it Aashirwad. The house had proved unlucky for "Jubilee" Kumar, but Khanna delivered 15 hits in a row, a record still unbroken
*Struggling Khanna drove himself to work and back in his own MG sports car.
*Though Khanna had a 100% success rate with Mumtaz, Hema Malini was his heroine the most number of times. They appeared in 15 films.
*Khanna was the highest paid from 1970-79 and shared the honour with Big B from 1980-87.
*Director Shekhar Kapur offered Mr India to Rajesh Khanna first, who turned it down because he couldn't relate to the invisible hero. The role finally went to Anil Kapoor.
*He had a penchant for doing off-beat roles. In Baharon ke Sapne, he played an out-of-job youth, a psychotic killer in Red Rose and a barber turned politician in Aaj Ka MLA Ram Avtar
MUMBAI - 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. He was 69.
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.
His demise brought back memories of the charmer, lover and hero that he was to his family, fans and well-wishers. For them, his magic will remain forever.
”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.
When news of his critical health first came out on June 20, legion of his fans expressed concern. 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.
But clearly it wasn’t.
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.
On June 23, Kaka - as he was popularly known in the film world - was in the hospital, and the stay stretched for 15 days. 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.
Though family members maintained he was “fine”, Rajesh was said to be critical Wednesday morning and breathed his last at his Bandra home.
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.
Film 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.
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.
Thousands of his fans and industry members are expected to turn up for the funeral, scheduled at 11.30 a.m. Thursday.
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.
Summarising the phenomenon that Rajesh Khanna was, Anupam Kher said that “he gave us a crash course in romance. He introduced us to a special twinkle in the eyes that made us feel good about ourselves. Rajesh Khanna taught us how to smile. He added dignity to our concept of romance.”
In his career spanning almost five decades, the actor featured in about 160 films, starting with “Aakhri Khat” in 1966.
Between “Aradhana” in 1969 and “Prem Kahani” in 1975, he enjoyed god-like status. Women would line the road for a glimpse, chant his name, cover his car with lipstick marks and even write him letters in blood.
It was nothing short of a mania. Then, the films faded away and so did the star. The years in between did see some films, some hits like “Avtaar” and some B-grade like the forgettable “Wafa”, but the man had disappeared into the shadows.
His last few public appearances came as a shock to his fans. His last screen appearance was an ad for Havells fans, an eerie intimation of what was to come with Kaka reminiscing in an empty auditorium and music from his films echoing in the background.
”Babumoshai,” he intoned deeply - the affectionate Bengali address he made all his own after “Anand”.
That voice has been silenced.
RIP RIP RIP KAKA
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