Born in Amritsar on 29 December 1942, legendary actor, film producer and politician Rajesh Khanna a.k.a Kaka will be missed by one and all for his impeccable contribution to the Indian film industry and for his evergreen songs, which have been popular among people generation after generation. While, Rajesh Khanna is no more, let’s take a close look to the life of this legend:

In 1960-1970, Kaka was in a relationship with Anju Mahendru and it lasted for seven years and they broke up. In 1973, Kaka tied the knot with actress Dimple Kapadia and had two children – Twinkle and Rinkie Khanna – unfortunately, they separated in 1984 but weren’t divorced. He also had an affair with Tina Munim for a shorter period.

Referred to as the “First Superstar” of Hindi cinema, Kaka appeared in as many as 163 Hindi films and made his debut with ‘Aakhri Khat’ in 1966. He shot to fame with his amazing performance in films like Raaz, Baharon Ke Sapne, Ittefaq, Aradhana, Kati Patang, Amar Prem, Shehzada, Apna Desh, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee, Namak Haraam, Maha Chor, Karm, Phir Wohi Raat, Aanchal, Kudrat, Ashanti, Agar Tum Na Hote, Awaaz, Hum Dono and Alag Alag.

Kaka bagged three Filmfare Best Actor Awards and fourteen times he was nominated for the same award. He four times won the BFJA Best Actor Award. In 2005, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

Undoubtedly, Kaka had a very huge fan following. He used to be mobbed whenever he appeared in public and his car used to have the lipstick marks of her female fans all over it. Many of his female fans sent him letters written with their blood. Mimicry artists copy his style even today. According to film critic Monojit Lahiri, “Girls married themselves to photographs of Rajesh Khanna, cutting their fingers and applying the blood as sindoor. Rajesh was God, there has never been such hysteria.”

Rajesh Khanna appeared in some evergreen songs. Songs like, Mere Sapnon Ki Rani, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai, Kabhi Alwida Na Kehna and many more are favourite of many even today.

From 1991 to 1996, Kaka served as a Member of Parliament for Congress party from New Delhi Constituency. He also won the by-election in 1992.

Last month, Kaka’s health deteriorated, following which he was admitted to Lilavati Hospital. He was admitted on June 23 and was dischared on July 8. On July 14, he was again admitted and passed away on July 18 at his bungalow, Aashirwad in Mumbai.