It has been six years since Bollywood’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna breathed his last. The entire nation will always remember his enormous contribution to Indian cinema and the world of entertainment. Long before Shah Rukh Khan opened his arms and left everyone swooning, Rajesh Khanna embodied romance. Khanna’s iconic nod and slow-motion squinting of the eyelids, not to forget his heart melting smile, could send women into a frenzy and left many male copycats in his trail.
Fondly known as ‘Kaka’ by his fans, Rajesh Khanna entered the film industry in 1996 with Raaz, but it was released after Aakhri Khat directed by Chetan Anand. Rajesh Khanna dominated the Hindi film industry with consecutive solo hit films from 1969 to 1971. During these years he had a streak of 15 hit movies! His most popular performances include his role as Anand Bahu of Amar Prem and Anand Sehgal of his iconic hit Anand. The highest paid Indian actor from 1970 to 1987, Khanna acted in 163 films and bagged three Filmfare awards during his super successful movie career.
While one of Bollywood’s greatest actors Rajesh Khanna might not be present with us today, the actor has without a doubt left us with tons of memories and iconic roles that will remain unforgettable. He not only gave the audience some of Bollywood’s best movies but also taught them how to lead a happy and content life. Khanna’s optimistic attitude towards life and his great words left behind are few of the things that bring tears to his fans’ eyes. Many ardent fans preach his most famous dialogue, “Babu Moshai Zindagi badi honi chahiye lambi nahi.”
Here are 10 old photographs that will you a glimpse into the superstar’s life:
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Rajesh Khanna breathed his last on July 18, 2012 after a prolonged illness. He was suffering from cancer and was admitted to hospital multiple times until he passed away at his bungalow ‘Aashirwad’. While the Bollywood legend is not amongst us today, he and his inspiring films continue to hold a special place in our hearts.
