Bollywood's first superstar Rajesh Khanna, who charmed audiences with hits like Aradhana, Do Raaste and Amar Prem to name a few, died on Wednesday after prolonged illness. Fondly known as Kaka, Rajesh Khanna worked in about 160 films with co-stars like Sharmila Tagore, Mumtaz, Tina Munim, Shabana Azmi and Padmini Kolhapure.
Considered to be the original superstar of Bollywood, Khanna had many female fans drooling over his good looks.
His typical dialogue delivery style, dancing steps and crooked posturing of head earned him an equal number of male admirers as well.
Like a true heartthrob, Khanna had his share of idiosyncrasies and tantrums which were well known in the film industry.
Some of his leading ladies and ardent fans reminisce about the actor and his films.
Shyam Benegal
"It's clearly the end of a great era as he was the last great hero of the romantic era. No one has been able to take his place. After him, emerged a different era, a different genre of Hindi cinema, where we could see Amitabh Bachchan as 'the angry young man'. It is a great loss. We all love him for his contribution to Hindi cinema and will
never forget him."
Mahesh Bhatt
"When an icon like Rajesh Khanna, who mesmerised an entire
generation dies, something in all of us, who grew up watching his films, dies.
Today, his memory will resonate in the hearts of millions of film lovers in
the world."
Hema Malini
"I am very sad that my colleague isn't there anymore. We shared a very good rapport. He was very nice on the sets as well as off them. He had his own group and used to stick to it. We worked together in films like Andaaz, Premnagar and Mehbooba. When we first met on the sets, it took him some time to open up, but later he became very friendly. He was a great co-star."
Asin
"It's a great loss. He was the first big superstar of Bollywood in the 70s. His smile, charm, body language and style attracted many and he was one of the most good looking men. His songs were iconic. The legend will truly be missed. I am close to his daughters Twinkle and Rinkie. I'm also working with Rajesh Khanna's son-in-law Akshay Kumar in two films. I share their pain."
Manoj Kumar
"I could not believe that he is no more with us. Earlier, it was Dara Singh and now it is Rajesh Khanna. I feel God is upset with the film industry. Rajesh Khanna
was a different personality. He made a mark for
himself through his hard work."
Ramesh Aravind
"Actors come and go but there are only a few who actually establish a deep connect with the audience that lasts a lifetime, and Rajesh Khanna was one such actor. The way he brought the screen alive with just his expressions was captivating. He really had this weird and intimate quality to reach out to you."
Usha Uthup
"I feel the pain today aseverybody else. It is a void that cannot be filled.
He was the most stylish and iconic actor and the word superstar was coined for
him. There was always a mystery and magic about
him. Today, we celebrate his contribution to the
Hindi film industry."
Farida Jalal
"We are all saddened by his death. I was just hoping that he would recover from his illness. He was very jovial, encouraging and sweet. I remember how the crowd, especially the girls, used to push each other just to take a look at him or for an autograph. I have witnessed his success. I can never forget the song Baagon Mein Bahar Hai, which we did in Aradhana. Such stars are not born everyday."