Remembering Rajesh Khanna, the first superstar of bollywood, on his 6th death anniversary.

It was not only Rajesh Khanna's persona that charmed audiences, but his songs were equally popular. From romantic numbers like Mere Sapnon Ki Raani, Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera to soothing ones like Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaaye and Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi, his songs were equally popular among his fans.

Jatin Khanna, the first superstar of Indian and Hindi Cinema with 74 Golden Jubilee Hits - (which includes 48 Platinum Jubilee hits and 26 Golden Jubilee Hits) & in addition had 22 Silver Jubilee Hits and 9 average hits, was born on 29 December 1942 in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Known as the most versatile of all actors who later regionally were given superstar status in media. In his on screen career, he has convincingly carried off a variety of roles without the aid of complicated costumes or make up. In fact, some of his most popular roles have required him to play two contrasting characters in a single movie and he used to work in 2 movies in the same day for most of the time in his career especially from 1969-1991, with each film having him in completely different characters. He had no prior connections in the industry and he made it all by his lonesome self. Khanna despite his reclusive ways came across as someone, the fans can identify with. His co actors (male and female) described him as the perfect gentleman, honest, bold, generous and grounded but an introvert. He was revered by fellow actors.

When Jatin took an interest in acting, his rich foster father disapproved, however, Jatin persisted and won first prize in the Filmfare Talent Contest where he was chosen in final eight from among 10000 contestants who participated in the 1965.His uncle K.K.Talwar advised him to replace his first name from Jatin to Rajesh while entering in contest. The contest gave him his debut film Raaz. But his first release was off-beat 'Aakhri Khat' opposite Indrani Mukherjee.

He married Dimple Kapadia in 1973. Subsequently he became the father of Twinkle, born in 1974 on the same date as he himself, who would later become actress in her own right. His second daughter, Rinke, was born on 29 June 1977, and also became an actress.

Rajesh was the sole Superstar of Indian and Hindi Cinema from 1969-1976 but had a bad phase from 1976-78 and so has to share Superstar of Hindi Films status with Amitabh from 1977-1991. Khanna acted as the main lead hero from 1966 to 1991 till the time he joined politics in 1991 and gave 105 box office hits from 1966-1996.In the period 1976-78 Khanna continued to act in 5 box office hits as lead hero, 3 hits in guest appearance and had 8 flops as lead hero. Of the 9 flops - 7 were critically acclaimed movies from 1976-78. Violent movies, along with multi star films became popular in this period from 1976-78 and due to emergency declared in India are analyzed as reason for failure of those films. Khanna tasted success at box office again from 1979 beginning with twin success of Amardeep and Prem Bandhan in the year 1979 and then continued to have hits till 1991. Due to being constantly paired up opposite Khanna, Tina Munim fell in love with Khanna after Khanna had separated from Dimple in 1984. Tina and Khanna were the top most romantic pair in the eighties. Tina decided to discontinue her film career in 1987, when Khanna rejected her proposal for marriage as he continued to love Dimple and cared for his children. Relation between Dimple and Khanna blossomed by 1990 and they even did a film together Jai Shiv Shankar and always went to parties, functions as a couple from 1990-2012.

Rajesh decided to join politics in 1991 and was elected Member of Parliament from 1992 through to 1996 representing New Delhi as his constituency. He also starred in 3 movies during this period. He continued to appear on the tinsel screen as the central character in few films post 1996 like Sautela Bhai, Wafa, Pyar Ki Zindgi.

Rajesh played the main lead in two serials 'Ittefaqe' and 'Apne Paraye' on television during 2001-02, Bhabhimaa and in Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi in 2008-09.

He has won Filmfare Best Actor Awards for 3 times and was nominated for 14 times. Has also won Filmfare Award for effective special appearance for Anuraag in 1973 and Filmfare special award in 1991 for his record of maximum solo hero films till 1991- 101 in 25 years(includes 7 unreleased solos and Anurag till 1991).Has won most number of All India Critics Award for Best Actor for a record 7 times and was nominated for same 10 times.He holds record for being the actor to win maximum BJFA awards for Best Actor - 4 and was nominated the most for it - 25 times.