A final tribute to the Bollywood's 'Pasha of Passion' Rajesh Khanna

The streets of Mumbai have witnessed the mass hysteria yet again in the last two days. The reason behind such frenzy atmosphere was not too surprising as the nation lost its very own Kaka, the man who epitomised superstar in Indian cinema. This same euphoria existed forty years ago when thousands braved the grey skies and wet weather and flanked the streets to catch one last glimpse of Bollywood's ultimate romantic hero Rajesh Khanna. The reality of Khanna's cruel demise still remains an undigestable fact for us. But, we believe that the Rajesh Khanna phenomenon will never ever cease to exist.

Rajesh Khanna was the first ever superstar in Bollywood, who sparked a never-seen-before frenzy everywhere he went. Say it his inherent enigma, his lopsided smile or his naughty wink, such was Kaka's aura that remains inimitable. Those were the days when Kaka's dashing good looks, youthful intensity, and heavily stylized charm could make any women go weak in her knees.

Born as Jatin Khanna to Punjabi parents, Khanna began his illustrious filmy career after winning a Talent Contest in the 60s. Rajesh Khanna achieved unprecedented success with a record 15 consecutive hits, between the years 1969 and 1972. His impeccable acting in films like Amar Prem, Daag, Mehbooba, Aradhana left a deep impression on the masses. Khanna rose to prominence for portraying an emotional and layered character of Anand that displayed Khanna's ease of outstanding acting skills.

Khanna was habitual to hysterical fan behaviour in his heydays. It is believed that everywhere he went women mobbed him, letters were written in blood and his cars were kissed red with lipstick. The name RAJESH KHANNA was more than enough to pull the crowd. He was such a phenomenon by the 70s that even BBC made a documentary on him titled, the Bombay Superstar.

Taking a sneak peak into Rajesh Khanna's real life, the actor was involved in two major relationships, before getting married to Dimple Kapadia. Actresses Anju Mahendru and Tina Munim played crucial roles in Khanna's real life. Kaka married Kapadia in 1973 and has two daughters, Twinkle and Rinki Khanna.

Following his death, there was a quick spate of reactions from the Bollywood fraternity. Even, those within the political spectrum offered their condolences to the members of the bereaved family and countless fans and admirers of Kaka. Condolences also came from Pakistan where Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf called Khanna a "great actor whose contribution to the field of films and arts would be long remembered. [He had a] large fan following across the borders and captivated audiences with his excellent acting skills."

Rajesh Khanna saw super stardom, fan frenzy, celluloid milestones, political ventures and even some poignant relationships. Kaka's departure for his heavenly abode will remain a huge loss for the nation, but the megastar's memory can never fade away as he will always reside in our hearts. We at Oneindia will always miss you Kaka!