Rajesh Khanna, the powerhouse of Bollywood is no more. Veteran actor and the original superstar of Bollywood died at the age of 69 after suffering from liver dysfunction.
Rajesh Khanna nicknamed Kaka was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on June 23rd due to liver problems and was discharged on July 8th. He was readmitted on July 14th in the same hospital and was discharged on July 17th. The superstar Kaka died at his home Aashirwad on Wednesday, i.e. 18th July, 2012.
The actor is survived by his wife Dimple Kapadia, two daughters named Twinkle Khanna, Rinkie Khanna and son-in-law Akshay Kumar.
The first superstar of Indian cinema, Rajesh Khanna was born on December 29th, 1942 in Amritsar, Punjab, India. His original name was Jatin Khanna. He made his Bollywood debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat directed by Chetan Anand. He was appreciated for his performance in films like Baharon Ke Sapne, Aurat, Aradhana, Ittefaq, Aap Ki Kasam, Roti, Prem Kahani, Amar Prem, Suraag, Souten, Aakhir Kyun, Swarg, Anand to name a few.
The screen icon of Bollywood, Khanna was a member of the International Film And Television Research Centre, the International Film And Television Club and the Asian Academy of Film & Television. He was a Member of Parliament for the Indian National Congress from the New Delhi Constituency.
The entire Bollywood fraternity was shocked at the news of his death. Celebrities and Politicians started pouring in to pay him their tributes. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan was among the first celebrities to arrive at Aashirwad.
His son-in-law Akshay Kumar said: “He has gone to a very nice and heavenly place. We are happy that he has gone there.”
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt said: “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.”
Rajesh Khanna may have died, but he will live eternally through his films.
May His Soul Rest In Peace!
