Remembering KAKA on his demise day on 18 th July

Rajesh khanna was the first Superstar of Indian Cinema. Born as Jatin Khanna (29 December 1942–18 July 2012) in Amritsar,Punjab, British India,  was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films.

Rajesh Khanna, also known as "Kaka," was a legendary Indian actor, film producer, and politician who made an indelible mark on the Hindi film industry. Born on 29th December 1942, he emerged as the "First Superstar of Bollywood," earning immense fame and admiration for his incredible talent and charisma.
From 1969 to 1971, Rajesh Khanna achieved a remarkable feat by starring in an unprecedented record of 15 solo hero successful films. His reign continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, making him the highest-paid actor in Hindi cinema during that era. Married to Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, eight months before her debut film Bobby was released and had two daughters from the marriage. Their elder daughter Twinkle Khanna is an actress who is married to actor Akshay Kumar, while they also have a younger daughter Rinke Khanna.
His exceptional performances garnered him numerous accolades, including four BFJA awards and five Filmfare Awards. In 2013, he was posthumously honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honor, in recognition of his immense contributions to the entertainment industry.
Rajesh Khanna made his remarkable debut in the 1966 film "Aakhri Khat," which set the stage for his illustrious career. His magnetic presence on screen and his ability to bring characters to life earned him the admiration of millions of fans.

Unknown Facts About Rajesh Khanna:
1968: Hemant Mukhopadhyay, while working on his film "Khamoshi," selected Rajesh Khanna for the lead role and brought him to Kolkata for shooting. Rajesh Khanna, staying at a hotel, would sometimes receive visits from Hemant Mukhopadhyay. Rajesh would playfully remark that there was no need for frequent inquiries, as he was right there. He even admitted to having some quirky habits, like eating cigarettes, but felt hesitant to do so in front of others. During this period, Rajesh Khanna was working on only a few films, including "Akhri Khat," "Raj," and "Ourat." In the movie "Khamoshi," he had a song situation that he suggested to Hemant Mukhopadhyay, who later asked Kishore Kumar to sing it. This song, "O Sham Kuch Ajeev Thi," marked Kishore Kumar's first collaboration with Rajesh Khanna as a lyricist.

After the success of "Aaradhana," Rajesh Khanna made an interesting announcement that all his songs would be sung by Kishore Kumar. However, in 1971, during the making of the film "Dushman," composer Laxmikant Parelal played the song "Wada Tera Wada Wade Pe Tera Mara Gaya" to Kishore Kumar. Kishore Kumar felt uncomfortable singing the song, considering it similar to a qawwali and suggested that Rafi Sahab should sing it. When Rajesh Khanna learned about this, he immediately went to Kishore Kumar's house after finishing his shoot and insisted that he sing the song. Their bond was so strong that Kishore Kumar couldn't refuse, and he stepped out of his comfort zone to record the song, which featured in the movie "Dushman." 

In 1971's film "Hathi Mere Saathi," Kishore Kumar recorded all the songs. However, for the song "Nafrat ki Duniya Ko Chhorke," composer Laxmikant Parelal chose Rafi Sahab as the singer. Rajesh Khanna, upon hearing this, rushed to Kishore Kumar once again, requesting him to sing the song. Kishore Kumar explained that the song was exclusively meant for Rafi Sahib, as it required a higher pitch that he couldn't comfortably reach. Understanding the situation, Rajesh Khanna agreed, realizing there was no other option.
Rajesh Khanna's illustrious career witnessed an extraordinary achievement: he became the first superstar in Indian cinema to single-handedly deliver 15 consecutive mega-hit films from 1969 to 1974. His charm, talent, and unique screen presence captivated the nation, earning him a permanent place in the hearts of millions of fans. Even today, his legacy remains an inspiration for generations of actors and film enthusiasts alike.

Sadly, Rajesh Khanna's journey came to an end on 18th July 2012, following a prolonged illness. However, his legacy continues to live on, with the Indian government paying tribute to him by issuing a stamp and erecting a statue in his likeness. Furthermore, a road was renamed in his honor by the Prime Minister of India.
In the years that followed, Rajesh Khanna's life and contributions have been extensively documented. Notable biographies, such as "Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar" by Yasser Usman (published in 2014) and "Rajesh Khanna The Most Versatile Superstar Actor of Hindi Cinema" by Narayanan Subramanian (released in 2022), have shed light on the extraordinary journey of this iconic figure.

To commemorate his memory, a one-kilometer fitness trail was named after Rajesh Khanna in Lajpat Nagar National Park in 2018. The inauguration was led by his wife, Dimple Kapadia, herself a well-known actress.
Rajesh Khanna's impact on Indian cinema is immeasurable, and his unique talent and charm will forever be etched in the hearts of movie enthusiasts worldwide. As the "First Superstar of Indian Cinema," Rajesh Khanna's legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.