Bollywood’s original superstar Rajesh Khanna dead at 69

Mumbai - Rajesh Khanna, 69, Bollywood’s original superstar, died on Wednesday at his Bandra residence. He is survived by ex-wife Dimple Kapadia, also a film star, and two daughters. The cremation will take place on Thursday.

The actor was admitted to Lilavati hospital in Mumbai on Saturday and discharged on Monday, but his condition deteriorated on Tuesday. He had been battling poor health since April 2012 when he was first admitted. Rajesh Khanna was the leading superstar of Hindi movies in 70s whose films like Aradhana and Amar Prem were massive hits. In 1980s, his limelight faded and did not revive even as he continued to act in the movies. In 1973, he married Dimple Kapadia who had just begun her acting career. They separated in 1984. Rajesh Khanna began his acting career with the movie “Akhari Khat” (The last letter) but he shot into fame three years later with the 1969 hit film “Aradhana” in which he played the role of a dashing young pilot. As the death of India’s original superstar spread like wildfire, thousands of his teary-eyed fans descended on his residence “Ashirvad” (blessing) who had been praying for his health and well being for the last several months. During his last days, his fans were shocked to see him a pale shadow of his original self. Rajesh Khanna will be remembered for his 15 consecutive solo hits in his acting career between 1969-1972.