Mumbai: Celebrities, politicians, socialites on Wednesday mourned the death of Bollywood’s yesteryear superstar Rajesh Khanna. The 69-year-old actor had been in and out of hospital since April and was discharged from the Lilavati hospital two days back. He died on Wednesday at his Bandra residence.
“It is a terrible day for the industry and all of us,” said Saira Banu. Actor Sharmila Tagore, who has done many films with Khanna, said he was an “amazing actor”.
Prem Chopra and Raj Babbar also expressed their grief. “He was a great person to work with. I have done more than a dozen films with him. He was a real superstar of that era,” said Prem Chopra.
“A nice person, a wonderful actor, he was a superstar and he is a superstar. He- never been into any controversy,” said actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar.
Another actor-turned-politician Jaya Prada condoled the superstar’s death saying, “I was in touch with Dimple on his health. Rajesh Khanna will be close to the nation’s heart.”
Actor Om Puri said that Khanna’s death is a big loss to the industry. “He was perhaps the biggest superstarof that era,” Puri said.
Director-Producer Karan Johar tweeted, “The magic…the mannerism…the mania of Rajesh Khanna is inscribed in every archive of Indian cinema…forever….rip sir!!!”
Shobaa De also tweeted saying, “India’s only real superstar is no more. Rajesh khanna was and remains the phenomenon.”
The PMO also tweeted, “The Prime Minister condoles the passing away of cinema personality, entertainer and former Member of Parliament, Shri Rajesh Khanna.”
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “With his unique persona, Rajesh Khanna ji made a special and unforgettable place in the hearts of Indians! May his soul rest in peace.”
