The demise of Bollywood's first superstar Rajesh Khanna has shocked the film fraternity, fans, politicians and the public alike.
Some celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Randhir Kapoor, Salman Khan with father Salim Khan and Shah Rukh Khan visited Khanna's residence to pay their respects, while others took to microblogging site Twitter to express their sadness on the death of the actor who was dearly called "Kaka" by his friends.
Here are some of the condolence messages sent by big personalities and actors.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh: "I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and countless fans and admirers of Shri Rajesh Khanna."
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi: "With his unique persona, Rajesh Khanna ji made a special & unforgettable place in the hearts of Indians! May his soul rest in peace."
Shah Rukh Khan: "To live with intention & walk to the edge. Play with abandon, choose with no regret. Smile & made us do the same.Sir,u defined our era.RIP"
Tusshar Kapoor: "Rajesh Khanna, our first superstar is no more. I worked with him in 'Kyaa Dil Ne Kaha and learned a lot just talking to him. May his soul rest in peace."
Neha Dhupia: "RIP Rajesh Khanna. You are stardom, your magic will live forever."
Dia Mirza: "Anand, Kati Patang, Bawarchi and many more... What a legacy you've left behind. RIP Rajesh Khanna."
Rahul Bose: "RIP Rajesh Khanna. The Phenomenon. Thank you for the magic." Shobhaa De's tweet read, "India's only real Superstar is no more. Rajesh Khanna was and remains 'The Phenomenon'."
Director Madhur Bhandarkar: "The epitome of superstardom is no more amongst us. There was none, there is none and there won't be any like you Kakaji. You will be missed."
Arshad Warsi: "RIP KAKA.... God bless n have mercy on his soul...."
Producer/director and choreographer Farah Khan: "Just heard the saddest news. The first Superstar of India is no more. But the legend that was Rajesh Khanna will live eternally through his films."
Raima Sen: "AAPKE FANS HAMESHA AAPKE RAHENGE' RIP RAJESHKHANNA first superstar of indian cinema."
Ayesha Takia Azmi: "So beyond sad 2 hear of the passing of Rajesh khanna ji. Let us all pray for his family,so they may get strength.RIP Rajesh Khanna ji."
Prateik Babbar: "Zindagi ka safar..hai yeh kaisa safar..koi samjha nahi.. - aap shayad samajh gaye..RiP RajesH KhannA SahaB..upar SmitA se zaroor milna.."
Kailash Kher: "Superstar of our fathers generation is gone from this world, he was beyond ths word called(Actor) true Icon World will miss forever, prayer."
Ronit Roy: "A legend, a superstar passes away. RIP Rajesh Khanna."
Singer Sonu Nigam: "Rip Rajesh Khanna sir. To Sir with Love."
Jackky Bhagnani: "RIP Rajesh Khanna saab a true legend d biggest star india has ever seen . We will miss u sir."
Karan Johar: "the magic...the mannerism...the mania of RAJESH KHANNA is inscribed in every archive of indian cinema...forever....RIP SIR!!!"
Rajesh Khanna passed away on Wednesday at his Mumbai residence at the age of 69. He was hospitalised on July 15 but was discharged on Monday afternoon
The actor with millions of fans following from across the country was not keeping since April. His family members were by his side during his last moments. The last rites will take place on Thursday morning.
Hundreds of fans gathered outside his Bandra house to catch the last glimpse of the legendary actor. Khanna, the biggest heart-throb in his days, gave Bollywood some of the most memorable dialogues.
The actor has not been keeping well since April and was admitted in hospital on July 15 following weakness. However, he was discharged from the hospital on Monday afternoon. He was brought back to his home Ashirwad on Carter Road where he breathed his last.
Khanna, whose real name is Jatin Khanna, was born on Dec. 29, 1942, in Amritsar. He studied at St. Sebastian's Goan High School in Girgaum with his friend Ravi Kapoor (Jeetendra Kapoor).
He began his acting career with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966 but became famous three years later with "Aaradhna". The actor than ruled the Indian film industry in the 1960s and 70s with notable films like "Raaz", "Do Raaste", "Bawarchi" and "Anand". He worked in more than 160 films and delivered 15 consecutive solo superhits.
He married actress Dimple Kapadia in 1973 they parted ways in 1984. The couple did not complete their divorce proceedings and has two daughters Twinkle Khanna and Rinkie Khanna.
