Rajesh Khanna’s statue to be unveiled today to mark his 1st death anniversary

It has been one year today when last year Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna breathed his last, succumbing to cancer at the age of 69. A statue of the late legend of the film industry will be unveiled today at the Walk of the Stars at Bandra Bandstand Promenade as a tribute on his first death anniversary.

A statement from Channel UTV Stars announced on Wednesday, "UTV Stars will commemorate Rajesh Khanna's inimitable style and charismatic smile in a life-size brass statue. The brass statue will immortalise one of his iconic poses from his films and will be unveiled by the actor's family amongst well-known names from the industry.” It has also been declared that the statue will be installed early next month. The brass statue will stand beside the statues of other Bollywood legends like Yash Chopra, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand. The Walk of the Stars helps bring movie lovers closer to their favourite Bollywood icons through the statues and handprints of the celebrities.

Rajesh Khanna made his Bollywood debut with Aakhri Khat in 1966 followed by Raaz and both of the films proved unsuccessful at the box-office. His talent came to notice with Baharon Ke Sapne and he went on with his yesteryear blockbusters like Aurat and Khamoshi. His onscreen chemistry with Sharmila Tagore was instantly liked by the audience in Aradhana and the popular jodi gave away some more blockbusters together like Kati Patang and Amar Prem. His other memorable films’ list includes Anand, Aan Milo Sajna, Bawarchi, Namak Haram, Anurodh, Amardeep, Hum Dono and several others. He was posthumously awarded with the Padma Bhusan in April this year, collected by his wife Dimple Kapadia. May long live the enigma of superstar Rajesh Khanna.