I have seen only one superstar who is still in the news consistently and he is none other than Rajesh Khanna aka Kaka.
He had left this world for his eternal journey physically on 29 th July 2012 but his millions of fans consider him as immortal.
It’s almost more than thirteen years that Kaka is physically not with us but not a day is left when news about him, his films, his histrionics, his interesting and impressive anecdotes or his hey days do not appear in Google news.
His films, songs, histrionics are still popular and are frequently exhibited on TV screens with shows of his super duper hit films going hit and houseful including his birth and death anniversaries commemorated by his fans at the pan India level.
Such is the aura of the first and original superstar Rajesh Khanna whose funeral witnessed more than ten lakh fans, people following his ” SHAV YATRA” in deep sorrow and some even in tears.
Kaka ‘s anecdotes are unending and his films remain as fresh and unique as were during the seventies and thereafter.
Kaka was not just a first and original superstar or a star with outstanding style but he was truly gifted by an exceptional handsomeness by the Almighty, the grace and freshness no hero has ever possessed or exhibited.
Kaka was in fact not an individual exceptional actor or hero for whom was coined the term superstardom but was an institution in himself representing an era of his time in ( of ) Bollywood.
Even today after the year 69 to 72 which gave fifteen back to back superduper hit movies, a record not broken by anyone till yet, Kaka’s movies and acting look as fresh and dominating answers during seventies.
I being in close proximity to him as his media advisor though never felt so privileged having differences with him at times but I felt that he had a special soft corner for me. He never wanted to lose me as he lauded being in the news most of the time and since I was coordinating his media, he would always keep me in good humour, always taking my side and not involving me in non serious business of his except when he was in good mood and humour. I dined and had drinks with Kaka in so many sittings at Hotel Hayat Regency, Vasant Kunj, Duplex flat, at 81 Lodhi Estate and earlier at Apartment opposite Sangam PVR near Delhi Public School flats. He served dinner a number of times personally at three PM midnight. We both dined together. On several occasions being late he used to ask me to stay at his house and I had no option but to sleep there. He was truly a gem of a person, though sometimes losing temper too after drinks but on specific occasions. Kaka was a man of precision life style, living with style and maintaining top standards.
Once I went to Kakaji at his Sarvapriya Vihar residence with my friend T.S.Bhandari , thinking that Kaka might be in Mumbai. We were passing by Hauz Khas and thought to peep in.
Though I was a bit reluctant thinking if he is really in the house maybe he won’t like it as I haven’t spoken to him before going there. Anyhow, I rang the bell thinking that he was not in. Though after a few minutes the door was opened and Kaka was in front of me.
He was a bit tensed perhaps not wanting anyone to disturb him. He was in his home casual attire. He watched us for two minutes , then pointed to come in. Gradually he changed his mood and was in a happy mood. I was carrying with me the two editions of Uttaranchal Who’s Who which also carried his pictures inside.
After some time while we were interacting with Kaka sitting on the sofa facing us I saw a glass on the side with a drink ( alcohol). The time was around twelve in the afternoon with AC on full swing. I was amazed to see Kaka just talking about me and praising me in front of my friend Bhandariji. Kaka was saying that I had worked for him in elections tremendously , coordinated his media awesomely, especially the English media of which he was very fond of, had no words to thank me etc etc.
Bhandariji couldn’t stop himself saying to Kaka , Khannaji ” Duniya to aapki fan hai aur mujhe lagta hai aap Sunil Negi ke fan hain”. Kakaji smiled and laughed. His heart and mind were very broad. He always thought in a broader sense. He was actually upgrading my image in front of my friend to ensure that my prestige is raised. This was Rajesh Khanna. When I asked Kakaji separately as to what was the need to praise me Sir. He replied to Yaar Negi ,I didn’t praise you but your efficacy and your invaluable contribution during my elections.
I had no words to thank this great star for his feelings and kind words for me. This convinced me as to why he is a first super star and lived all over the world, not just for his outstanding acting , handsomeness , good movies, style , acting and mesmerising music and singing but for his open heart , broad feelings and generosity. Today Kakaji is not with us. His Ashirvaad is also not there which was his everlasting dream to convert it into a Museum but Kaka’s millions n millions of fan following will never die and remain for ever. He is immortal and Rajesh Khanna never dies. OM shanti
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