Pakistan on Wednesday joined India in mourning the death of Bollywood's first superstar Rajesh Khanna. As news broke of his passing away in Mumbai, television channels went into 'Stop Press' mode with some even setting aside their regular programming to feature vignettes from the actor's journey on celluloid.
Television news in the afternoon became a medley of some of his most popular songs and dialogues - particularly "Babu Moshay…" from the film Anand and "Pushpa, I hate tears" from Amer Prem. Geo News, in fact, set aside everything else for nearly an hour-and-a-half and no one was complaining as evergreen songs like 'Mere sapno ki raani kab aayegi tu', 'Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jaate hain jo muqaam', 'Yeh shaam masatani', 'O mere dil ke chaen'… ruled the airwaves.
The print media was not to be left behind. The Dawn Media Group opened a forum online where they invited people to "share your favourite Rajesh Khanna moments: films, songs as we pay tribute to the great actor".
Rajesh Khanna was also trending on social networking sites with people posting his songs and memorable dialogues as they celebrated his life and movies. Cricketer Ramiz Raja recalled this on Twitter: "Had the pleasure of chatting with Rajesh Khanna on a chartered flight in 88. Talked how he worked 14 hrs a day for 6 yrs. Was fan of Pak Soaps!"
In a condolence message, Prime Minister Raja Parvez Ashraf said the contribution of the great actor to the field of films and arts would be long remembered. "Rajesh Khanna had a large fan following across the borders and captivated audiences with his excellent acting skills."
Keywords: Rajesh Khanna's death, Raja Pervez Ashraf
Such is the charisma of the Rajesh Sir that not only the elders even the GEN-NXT is griped in this grief , its a loss that can't be make-up and a damage that can't be repaired . Sir we luv u ,some people are legends n they remain immortal so is u , u will remain alive in our hearts forever . R.I.P RAJESH KHANNA SIR........." ZINDAGI KE SAFAR MEIN GUJAR JAATE HAI JO MAKAAM WOH PHIR NHI AATE "
Thanks to the beautiful minds behind his superhits Aradhna & Anand and Rajesh Khanna superb acting those 2 movies in their simplicity gave us the vision to look into the continuity of life, the ability to look beyond physical pleasures. Beautiful !! Rajesh Khanna rest in peace !!
@Syed Nadeem
So nice to hear such beautiful words from Pakistan. Hope we hear more of
such expressions. Proves how we are all one at heart.
@Syed nadeem
I have not read a better obituary than yours dear.Salute to a man who gets such words from across the
border,of course for syed may our tribe increase!amen.
Rajesh was a good actor ,, I still remember his movie "Katti Patang " & will watch again in his memory.
This shows clearly that gifted artists like RK has succeeded, where politicians failed, in uniting souls across boards!! May his soul RIP!
A true star and one sends condolences to all Indian fans of this first true superstar the likes of whom will never be seen, if only because the clock cannot be turned back to an era that can only be imagined in this day and age.
Many of the greatest Indian heroes have some connection with the part of world that became Pakistan--or was a stone's throw away as Rajesh Khanna's birthplace of Amritsar. One hopes that past bitterness will be swept away one day and everyone will enjoy talents on either side of the border (e.g. many Canadian stars who are Hollywood celebrities and hardly anyone bothers with such details) without acrimony.
My sincere condolences to the people of India and to Mr Khannas fasmily, May you rest in peace, Ameen. You made our lives richer with your wonderful acting, you made us laugh, smile and you made us fall in love. I grew up with you songs in Pakistan, and you are a part of my life and always will remain so, thank you for the wonderful memories sir, i salute you Mr Rajesh Khanna. Sleep well my friend, sleep well.
Yet another proof that art has no religion,nationality or boundaries. In life as in
death an artist keeps people spell bound and together.Viva Rajesh Khanna and the
likes.
Rajesh Khanna's hit movies are even better than Amitabh;s, Dilip Kumar's, Dev Anand's, partially because he made movies when stories themes were strong and movies were migrating from Eastman colour to real cloured movies. I cannot forget Amar Prem. One of the best I have ever seen in any language.
Great actor Rajesh Khanna will be remembered for his best stylish performance in the movies like the Akheri Khat and the Khamoshi,among others.God may bless him eternal peace in the heaven.
The superstar RAJESH KHANNA may be mortal, but his work is immortal.His acting and films will continue to touch and entertain millions and he will live through his creations.His performance in a great number of films is unmatched and he will always be remembered as a brilliant actor and star who epitomized love for life ,hope and optimism.He was a self made actor ,capable of mersmerising and captivating the audiences...Long live superstar....
I am speechless after hearing the news of Rajesh Khanna. Though I am not
from his golden age. But I hear a lot about him from my father. How did
he with friends bunk the classes to see the movies of Rajesh Khanna. I
salute him from the core of my heart. Let his soul be lived peacefully
in heaven.
RAJESH KHANNA was an excellent actor captivating audiences like no other actor.He is as legendary as guru dutt, meena kumari,balraj sahani, motilal, gope and amitabh, dilip kumar the blessed ones. may god give long life to dilip and amitabh...we cant afford to lose these gems. may Rajesh Khanna rest in peace...AMEN.
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