Thousands Bid Tearful Farewell to 'Kaka' Rajesh Khanna

Mumbai, Jul 19 (IANS): Grandson Aarav performed the last rites of Rajesh Khanna at the Vile Parle crematorium Thursday with family, friends and fans bidding the superstar a tearful adieu.

The actor's nine-year-old grandson put the pyre to torch with the help of his actor-father Akshay Kumar, who is married to Rajesh Khanna's elder daughter Twinkle, and soon flamed engulfed the body of the superstar, who became heartthrob of millions since attaining stardom in 1969.

The actor, fondly called Kaka by his family and friends, passed away Wednesday morning following a liver infection. He was 69.

An eyewitness informed IANS that Amitabh Bachchan hugged and consoled an emotional Dimple Kapadia and her second daughter Rinke at the funeral.

Kaka's ex-girlfriend Anju Mahendru was also present and was seen crying.

Daughter Twinkle was missing from the funeral procession as she is in the family way.

Rajesh Khanna's last journey generated the same frenzy that he did when he attained stardom in the 1970s.

Keeping the security issues in consideration, the police officials suggested the late superstar's family members not to allow too many people inside the crematorium as a result not even media were allowed in.

The legend's final journey started around 10 a.m. from his residence Aashirwad in Bandra. His body, in a glass casket, was placed on a mini-truck decorated with white flowers. The procession went through Carter Road, Turner Road and S.V. Road before reaching the Vile Parle crematorium.

The original plan was to have a longer procession, but due to rain it was cut short.

Despite rain, thousands, including the superstar's friends, film fraternity members and fans gathered to say a tearful goodbye to Rajesh Khanna.

The frenzy was perhaps just what the Bollywood's first superstar had been missing in his last years.

It was a farewell that the superstar deserved.

Among the Bollywood bigwigs who attended his last rites were Sudhir Mishra, Rani Mukerji, Karan Johar, Sajid Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vinod Khanna and Aadesh Shrivastava.

Rajesh started his career with the 1966 film "Aakhri Khat" and went on to give hit films like "Aradhana", "Kati Patang", "Anand" and "Amar Prem" that propelled him to dazzling heights of popularity and fame.

His last words before his demise, according to megastar Amitabh Bachchan, were "Time to pack up" in true Bollywood style.

Aashirwad likely to be converted into Rajesh Khanna museum

Late superstar Rajesh Khanna's bungalow will reportedly be converted into a museum as per his daughters' wish.

"Yes, there are plans to convert Aashirwad into a museum, but nothing has been finalised yet. The family members will take the decision after Rajesh Khanna's 'chautha'. It's his daughters Twinkle and Rinke's wish to do so," a source close to Rajesh Khanna's family told IANS on condition of anonymity.

"It will be called Rajesh Khanna Museum and his precious things will be kept in the museum," added the source.

Rajesh Khanna died Wednesday after suffering liver infection. He was 69.

He is survived by his estranged wife Dimple Kapadia and two daughters.