Bollywood’s first superstar Rajesh
Khanna passed away Wednesday following a prolonged illness, a family friend said. He was 69. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, family sources said.
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.
For some he defined romance on screen, for some his heart-warming performances brought tears, and for a whole lot of Bollywood celebrities Rajesh Khanna, Hindi cinema’s “first superstar”, was the “phenomenon” whose “magic” will live on forever through his memorable films, dialogues and songs.
Many of them took to Twitter to share their experiences and thoughts about the 69-year-old, who delivered hits like “Anand”, “Kati Patang” and “Aradhana” among about 160 films that he featured in.
Here’s what celebrities had to say:
Madhuri Dixit-Nene: Another of Hindi cinema’s giants passes, Rajesh Khanna. Our sincere condolences to his family. We will miss him dearly.
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.
Karan Johar: The magic, the mannerism, the mania of RAJESH KHANNA is inscribed in every archive of Indian cinema…forever…RIP SIR!!!
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.
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.
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.
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! (IANS)