Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood’s first-ever superstar, died of liver failure at home Wednesday morning.
Khanna, 69, had been battling liver and kidney problems for a long time. He is survived by estranged wife Dimple Kapadia and daughters Twinkle and Rinke.
His son-in-law, actor Akshay Kumar, said: “I regret to inform everybody that my father-in-law Rajesh Khanna is no more. He has gone to a nice and heavenly place, we are happy about that. I hope everybody... can just say a small little prayer for him”.
Akshay Kumar will perform his last rites at 11 am on Thursday.
Last month Khanna was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, but was discharged after showing signs of recovery. Later, in a reflection of his “zest and never-say-die spirit”, he also made a brief appearance for fans on the balcony of his landmark bungalow “Ashir-waad”. He was admitted to hospital twice afterward and was discharged a day before he breathed his last. Sources said Khanna had expressed a desire to go home.
A bevy of Bollywood celebrities rushed to Ashirwaad on Wednes-day, among them one-time arch-rival Amitabh Bachchan, as well as Rishi Kapoor, Prem Chopra and Shabana Azmi.