India’ first superstar Rajesh Khanna who mouthed “Yeh lo, phir tumhari aankho main paani! Maine tumse kitni baar kaha hai ki, Pushpa mujhse ye aansu dekhe nahi jaate. I hate tears,” in Amar Prem, passed away this afternoon leaving behind tears to everyone’s eyes. Rajesh Khanna, whose real name is Jatin Khanna, was born on 29 December1942, was 69 years. He had been battling an unidentified ailment for quite a while (his family has refused to disclose what he was afflicted with), and breathed his last, just like in his film Anand. His famous dialogues from the film, “Babumoshai, zindagi aur maut uparwale ke haath hai. Usse na aap badal sakte ho naa main,” still haunts us. Rajesh’s life clearly defined the saying “we can’t predict our life and death right”. His dialogues will be remembered and treasured too. His dialogue “Main marne se pehle marna nahin chahta, Yeh toh main hi jaanta hoon ki zindagi ke aakhri mod par kitna andhera hai,” lurks large in our minds. Fans heaved a sigh of relief when he was shifted from hospital and went home, but as it’s rightly said, we have no control over our fate. The same happened to our superstar, his death came all of a sudden that is only within twenty four hours of his discharge from Lilavati Hospital. We got in touch with eminent actors to know what they had to say about our dear Kaka ji. Said veteran character actor Alok Nath, “It was an honour to be with him in one of the television series. He was a great man, I remember him when he said “Alok ji aap toh TV main kaam karte ho, I am new do forgive me if I go wrong.” A veteran uttering these words really stumbled me. He is such a great person, he will be remembered a lot. He has been my inspiration to enter into entertainment world and acting. I am his biggest fan. I send my deepest condolences to his family.” Observed Shekhar Suman, “Well, I started watching him since I was a child and when I started acting, I thought he is so senior that he might retire from the industry but no, he was working and when I did a film with him, he was fabulous. He was such a superb human being. He was a very down-to-earth person. Though he had issues in his personal life, he never showed anything to anyone. His dialogues can never be forgotten; they will live on forever. His demise is a loss for the entire industry. May his soul rest in peace.” Shared Bengali beauty and actress Indrani Haldar, “I knew he was unwell but then when he passed away today, I could not believe it. When he was discharged from the hospital yesterday, there was a ray of hope. I grew watching him since childhood. I have seen many Bengali actresses working with him. He was a superstar; he was a living legend. Elder than Amitabh Bachchan and younger to Dilip saab, he was an icon. I will remember him forever. I pray that his soul rests in peace.” Renowned Tarot card reader Munisha Khatwani said with emotive expressions, “I really miss him having worked with him in the serial Apne Paraye on B4U in which I played his daughter. He is a very professional actor and a great human being. I went to Jaipur during the shoot. Even though I was new to the field, he used to make me comfortable and even rehearsed for lot many scenes with me. Though I am not that close to his family, I send my condolences to his loved ones. He is irreplaceable.” And lastly, the final words that we would like to break out humming, “Kisi badi khushi ke intezaar mein … hum yeh chote chote khushiyoon ke mauke kho dete hain.” Rajesh Khanna ji will be in the minds of people forever.