Bollywood's First Superstar Rajesh Khanna Cremated

MUMBAI, July 19 (Bernama) -- With moist eyes and prayers on their lips, family and fans on Thursday bid a tearful goodbye to Rajesh Khanna at a crematorium here with hundreds of admirers lining the streets to catch the last glimpse of India's first superstar, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

The 69-year-old Bollywood actor was laid to rest amidst large number of cinegoers and friends from the film fraternity, who united in grief at the demise of the man who created mass hysteria during his heydays.

The last rites were performed by Khanna's grandson Aarav, with father Akshay by his side.

As admirers paid glowing tributes to Khanna, who was fondly called 'Kaka', there was chaos outside the Pawan Hans crematorium with hundreds of people converging there.

Many Bollywood personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, his son Abhishek, Manoj Kumar, Rani Mukherjee and Karan Johar turned up at the crematorium to pay their last respects.

The Hindi film icon passed away at his residence 'Aashirwad' on Wednesday.

Although the cause of his death was not officially announced by the family, those close to the actor hinted at liver infection.

Khanna became the only actor to deliver 15 consecutive solo super hits in his illustrious career with movies 'Aradhana', 'Haathi Mere Saathi', 'Anand' and 'Amar Prem' between 1969 and 1972.

He carved a niche for himself in Bollywood dominated in those days by the troika of Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand and Raj Kapoor and the likes of Shammi Kapoor and Rajendra Kumar through his persona of a romantic hero.

The once Bollywood heart throb will always be remembered for his style, charm and disarming smile.

Born as Jatin Khanna, the legend will live on in the hearts of millions of this fans through eternal love songs like 'Aacha Toh Hum Chalte Hai', 'Zindagi Ka Safar' and 'Mere Sapno Ki Rani' among others.

-- BERNAMA