Mourners gathered in Mumbai under heavy monsoon rain to bid farewell and catch a final glimpse of Bollywood’s first superstar, Rajesh Khanna, who was to be cremated on Thursday.
His body was driven from his residence on an open-back trailer with only his face showing from beneath a blanket of jasmine flowers. Onlookers, many under umbrellas, threw white petals as the funeral cortege passed.
Khanna, popularly known as the “first superstar” of Bollywood and the Hindi film industry’s biggest heart-throb in his day, died on Wednesday after months of illness. He was 69.
He was to be cremated later Thursday according to Hindu tradition.
Indian newspapers and television channels led with the news of Khanna’s death, with his face appearing on most front pages as tributes poured in from fellow actors, leading politicians and sports stars.
“King of Hearts,” said the front page of the English-language tabloid Mail Today, while the serious-minded broadsheet The Hindu ran the headline, “Superstar who turned romance, and even death, into a high art.”
Khanna, who had been sick since April with an undisclosed illness rumoured to be cancer, passed away at his family home in Mumbai after being discharged from hospital on Tuesday.
His film debut came in “Aakhri Khat” (The Last Letter) in 1966 but his star rose with runaway hit “Aaradhna” (Worship) three years later, followed by a string of successes, with Khanna typically as the romantic lead.
His prominent hits of the 1970s included “Kati Patang” (Broken Kite), “Amar Prem” (Everlasting Love) and “Anand” (Happiness), in which he played a man who eventually loses his battle with cancer.
In total, he sang, danced and acted in more than 150 films. His smile, twinkling eyes and soft, romantic demeanour charmed legions of besotted female fans.
Soon after his debut Khanna was getting letters written in blood by admirers and his car was said to be stained with lipstick wherever he went. There were even reports of some followers marrying his photographs.
Great star of his time passes away, every one have to go.
Great star of his time passes away, every one have to go.
“died” is such a harsh word 🙁
“died” is such a harsh word 🙁
“died” is such a harsh word 🙁
Media is feeling like an orphan due to passing of Rajesh Khana but not giving any coverage or news related to ruthless killings of muslims in Burma? Isn’t that shameful and something we all should be concerned about?
Media is feeling like an orphan due to passing of Rajesh Khana but not giving any coverage or news related to ruthless killings of muslims in Burma? Isn’t that shameful and something we all should be concerned about?
Media is feeling like an orphan due to passing of Rajesh Khana but not giving any coverage or news related to ruthless killings of muslims in Burma? Isn’t that shameful and something we all should be concerned about?
^Perhaps not here but theres definitely a place for your comment. By the way what do you mean when you say ‘ shameful’, is your concern proper reporting or an action? If its the first one reasons include not enough media presence in Burma mostly due to lack of support from their officials; if its the later, please explain how you/ pakistan or anyone has helped Syria. Coming back to Khanna news…
Great star of his time passes away, every one have to go.
Great star of his time passes away, every one have to go.
"died" is such a harsh word 🙁
Media is feeling like an orphan due to passing of Rajesh Khana but not giving any coverage or news related to ruthless killings of muslims in Burma? Isn't that shameful and something we all should be concerned about?
^Perhaps not here but theres definitely a place for your comment. By the way what do you mean when you say ' shameful', is your concern proper reporting or an action? If its the first one reasons include not enough media presence in Burma mostly due to lack of support from their officials; if its the later, please explain how you/ pakistan or anyone has helped Syria. Coming back to Khanna news…
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