Rajesh Khanna's leading ladies share their memories

Veteran actor Rajesh Khanna's leading ladies remember him fondly

Sharmila Tagore: The last time I met him was at a function in Kolkata. He had lost so much weight, I could barely recognise him. Because of his illness, he had become a tragic shadow of himself. We spoke warmly, and he asked about my family. Then, when I was leaving, I heard him giving a press interview. His wonderful voice hadn't changed a bit. It was that same voice, and the familiar twinkle in his eyes that made him a national rage.

In This Pic : Sharmila Tagore, Rajesh Khanna Dead, Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood

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Mumtaz: My jodi with Rajesh Khanna was lucky. We never suffered a flop. Our last film together, Aaina, didn't click but it was just a guest appearance for him. Do Raaste, our first film together was a big hit. The songs did it. Bindiya chamkegi and Chhup gaye saare nazaare became very popular. We did a whole lot of films after that right until I got married and quit the industry. That allowed me the chance to interact with him fairly closely. Shaadi mein jaise sitaare milaaye jaate hain, hum donon ki jodi ke sitaare milte the. Our onscreen pair seemed blessed by divinity.

In This Pic : Rajesh Khanna Dead, Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz, Bollywood

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Hema Malini: It's sad news. I didn't imagine he'd go away this soon. I first worked with him in Andaz, and the iconic song from that film that audiences will never forget, is also one of my favourites - Zindagi ek safar hai suhana, yahan kal kya ho kisne jana? As an actor, I'd say he was gifted. He'd learn his lines in a flash, and emote effortlessly. He was a temperamental man, and someone who kept to himself. There was this distance he'd maintain. He'd often report late on set. We were supposed to do quite a few films together, but they didn't materialise. And then came Prem Nagar. It was then that we gradually warmed up to each other.

In This Pic : Rajesh Khanna Dead, Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Bollywood

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Zeenat Aman: Kakajee was already a big star when we did our first film, Ajnabee together. It was directed by Shakti Samanta, with whom he had worked on huge hits like Aradhana. So, I was this outsider, the newcomer. But not for a minute did he make me feel that. He was reserved, yes. But so was I. We had some fun times together. We shot a song atop a train (Hum dono do premi) long before Shah Rukh's Chaiyya Chaiyya. Kakajee was so good with songs and romance. By the time we did our last film together, he had turned far more introspective. He confided in me about how he wanted to create a museum of his memorabilia. We didn't end up keeping in touch. So, I wasn't aware that he had fallen ill. It's been quite a while since we last met. And now, we won't ever. After Dev Saab, another of my favourite heroes is gone.

In This Pic : Zeenat Aman, Rajesh Khanna Dead, Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood

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Asha Parekh: When we did our first film, Baharon Ke Sapne, he wasn't THE Rajesh Khanna. It was just his second film, and we were both playing deglamorised characters. I remember him as a shy, reserved man. By the time, we did our second film, Kati Patang, everything had changed. He was a superstar, the kind Indian cinema hasn't witnessed. Girls would run after him, tear his clothes, kiss his car, stand outside his bungalow for a darshan for hours. I thought it was fairly entertaining.

In This Pic : Rajesh Khanna Dead, Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood, Asha Parekh

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