India bids goodbye to superstar Rajesh Khanna

1.1051207-3401183992 — Akshay Kumar (2nd R), Bollywood star and son-in-law of actor Rajesh Khanna, removes the cover of the casket containing Khanna's body outside the venue of his funeral in Mumbai July 19, 2012. Thousands of mourners, including Bollywood stars, gathered on Thursday for the funeral of Khanna, braving heavy rains and traffic jams in Mumbai. Known for his shy smile and flamboyant looks, Khanna was often referred to as Bollywood's first real superstar, someone who had a fanatical fan base among women, thanks to the many romantic hits in which he starred during the 1970s. The 69-year-old actor died of an undisclosed illness on Wednesday, plunging his fans into grief and prompting glowing tributes from the Indian film industry. Image Credit: Reuters

In his prime, Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna unleashed mass hysteria. His funeral on Thursday morning was no different as family, friends and fans paid their last respects to India’s “certified superstar”.

According to reports, the Mumbai police had a tough time controlling thousands of fans who thronged the streets of Mumbai to bid farewell to India’s first superstar. Police resorted to force to get the crowd under control.

The funeral procession began around 10.15am from Khanna’s mansion Aashirwad and reached the crematorium in Vile Parle by 11am. His family, including estranged wife Dimple Kapadia, son-in-law Akshay Kumar, younger daughter Rinkie Khanna, her husband Sameer Saran and grandson Aarav accompanied the procession. Khanna’s pregnant daughter Twinkle, wife of Kumar, did not accompany the procession.
At the crematorium, stars including Karan Johar,Rani Mukherjee, Karisma Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan were reportedly present. The last rites were performed by Khanna’s grandson Aarav.

“Aarav lit the pyre and Akshay Kumar assisted him,” said Vijay Zaveri, Khanna’s close friend, to reporters.

Khanna, aged 69 and billed as Bollywood’s king of romance, died on Wednesday morning in Mumbai aged 69.

Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan (centre L) and his son Abhishek Bachchan (centre R) arrive to attend the funeral of actor Rajesh Khanna in Mumbai July 19, 2012. Thousands of mourners, including Bollywood stars, gathered on Thursday for the funeral of Khanna, braving heavy rains and traffic jams in Mumbai. Known for his shy smile and flamboyant looks, Khanna was often referred to as Bollywood's first real superstar, someone who had a fanatical fan base among women, thanks to the many romantic hits in which he starred during the 1970s. The 69-year-old actor died of an undisclosed illness on Wednesday, plunging his fans into grief and prompting glowing tributes from the Indian film industry. Image Credit: Reuters

A policeman wields his baton to control a crowd of fans gathered outside the venue of of the funeral of Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna in Mumbai July 19, 2012. Thousands of mourners, including Bollywood stars, gathered on Thursday for the funeral of Khanna, braving heavy rains and traffic jams in Mumbai. Known for his shy smile and flamboyant looks, Khanna was often referred to as Bollywood's first real superstar, someone who had a fanatical fan base among women, thanks to the many romantic hits in which he starred during the 1970s. The 69-year-old actor died of an undisclosed illness on Wednesday, plunging his fans into grief and prompting glowing tributes from the Indian film industry. Image Credit: Reuters

Dimple Kapadia (C), wife of Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna, arrives at the venue of his funeral on a float containing his body in Mumbai July 19, 2012. Thousands of mourners, including Bollywood stars, gathered on Thursday for the funeral of Khanna, braving heavy rains and traffic jams in Mumbai. Known for his shy smile and flamboyant looks, Khanna was often referred to as Bollywood's first real superstar, someone who had a fanatical fan base among women, thanks to the many romantic hits in which he starred during the 1970s. The 69-year-old actor died of an undisclosed illness on Wednesday, plunging his fans into grief and prompting glowing tributes from the Indian film industry. Image Credit: Reuters

Fans hold a framed portrait of Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna outside the venue of his funeral in Mumbai July 19, 2012. Thousands of mourners, including Bollywood stars, gathered on Thursday for the funeral of Khanna, braving heavy rains and traffic jams in Mumbai. Known for his shy smile and flamboyant looks, Khanna was often referred to as Bollywood's first real superstar, someone who had a fanatical fan base among women, thanks to the many romantic hits in which he starred during the 1970s. The 69-year-old actor died of an undisclosed illness on Wednesday, plunging his fans into grief and prompting glowing tributes from the Indian film industry. Image Credit: Reuters

A fan of Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna cries outside his residence in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, July 18, 2012. Khanna, the first Hindi film actor to gain superstar status in Indian films, died Wednesday after a brief illness. He was 69 Image Credit: AP

View gallery as list