Bollywood Superstar Rajesh Khanna Passed Away

Bollywood's first superstar Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18 at his residence in Mumbai. He was 69 and is survived by his estranged wife Dimple Kapadia and two daughters Twinkle and Rinky. Film actor Akshay Kumar was his son-in-law. His last rites will be performed on Thursday.

The veteran actor was admitted to Mumbai's Lilavati hospital last week following reports of low blood pressure, but was discharged on Tuesday and was at his Mumbai residence since then. Earlier on June 24, he was admitted to a hospital following kidney problems.

Scores of worried fans gathered outside his 'Aashirwad' home on Carter Road in Bandra on Wednesday following the news.

The actor is hailed as India's first superstar after 15 consecutive solo superhits between 1969 and 1972, a record that remains unbroken. Rajesh began his career with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966. He became a superstar like know other with his work in hits like "Aradhana", "Do Raaste", "Safar" and "Anand". He was last seen in a TV commercial for Havells fans earlier this year.

Rajesh Khanna, whose romantic persona in songs like 'Mere sapno ki raani', 'O mere dil ke chain' and 'Roop tera mastana' made many a young woman's heart skip a beat, was Hindi film world's first actor to attain superstar status. His mannerism, his unique style of dancing, dialogue delivery and gestures added to his onscreen persona and have been imitated countless number of times.

Bollywood's first superstar left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in Peace, Superstar !