Remembering Rajesh Khanna on his 78th birth anniversary

Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna is considered by many as the first superstar of Indian cinema. His success in films like Namak Haraam, Anand, Amar Prem, Aradhana, Kati Patang, Daag, Anurodh and Safar, among others made him a force to be reckoned with, and his legacy is still cherished by fans of Hindi cinema. (Photo: Express Archives)

Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna in Amritsar. Khanna received his first film role after winning a national level talent competition. (Photo: Express Archives)

Rajesh Khanna made his debut with Chetan Anand's Aakhri Khat, but it was his work in Raaz that got him noticed. (Photo: Express Archives)

The actor is known for giving 15 consecutive solo hits from 1969-1971, and the record stands unbroken till this day. This golden phase started with Shakti Samanta's Aradhana and lasted till MA Thirumugam's Haathi Mere Saathi. (Photo: Express Archives)

Singer Kishore Kumar was associated with Rajesh Khanna as his on-screen voice and the duo gave Hindi cinema many classics including "Mere Sapno Ki Raani," "Chingari Koi Bhadke," "Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai" and "Roop Tera MAstana", among others. (Photo: Express Archives)

Rajesh Khanna married actor Dimple Kapadia in 1973. They have two daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna. (Photo: Express Archives)

During the 1980s, Khanna gained success with films like Avatar, Swarg, Rajput, Dharm Aur Qanoon, Paapi Pet Ka Sawaal Hai, Zamana, Dil-E-Nadaan, Ghar Ka Chiraag, Maqsad and Bewafai, among others. (Photo: Express Archives)

Rajesh Khanna had a short stint in politics as a Member of Parliament from the New Delhi constituency. He gave up active politics after 1996. (Photo: Express Archives)

Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012 at his bungalow Aashirvaad in Mumbai. During his funeral, the streets of Mumbai were thronged by people who wanted to pay their last respects. (Photo: Express Archives)

He was conferred with the Padma Bhushan in 2013. (Photo: Express Archives)