When one talks about Indian actors who are superstars in the truest sense, late Rajesh Khanna occupies a place along with the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan and more. Born in Amritsar as Jatin Khanna, he was raised in Mumbai by his adoptive parents. He had a love for theatre since his adolescence and slowly charted his journey into life. Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012.   Ranveer Singh Extends His ‘Pure Love’ to Newly-Weds Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant, Drops Adorable Pic With Deepika Padukone and the Couple.

Rajesh Khanna was discovered through a talent hunt competition, 1965 All India Talent Contest where he was one of the eight finalists. Filmmaker Shakti Samanta was one of the judges. In his career, he delivered his best movies with Hrishikesh Mukerjee and Shakti Samanta. Here is a look at some of his iconic films....‘The Boys’ Season 4 Finale: From A-Train to Victoria Neuman, 5 Characters We Predict Might Not Survive ‘Assassination Run’ 

'Anand' (1971)

No prizes for guessing that this film tops the list. Hrishikesh Mukherjee extracted pitch perfect performances from Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan in this classic. Anand was said to be inspired by Raj Kapoor as once the showman fell very sick, and Mukherjee thought he would not survive his illness. Anand won laurels at the National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.

'Amar Prem' (1972)

Poignant is one word that best describes Amar Prem. Blessed with wonderful music, the film was about the prohibited but deep love between a businessman and a courtesan. Sharmila Tagore looked like a dream in this Shakti Samanta film. Amar Prem got Rajesh Khanna a sizeable fandom.

'Ittefaq' (1969)

Ittefaq was one of the prominent films in Rajesh Khanna's golden streak of 17 hit films at a stretch. It was India's fourth song-less movie, and a film without an interval. Yash Chopra directed this movie, his last, under the banner of his brother BR Chopra.

'Kati Patang' (1970)

Kati Patang is hailed as one of the best movies of all time in Bollywood. Rajesh Khanna played a forest ranger Kamal Sinha in the film. Asha Parekh was in the role of a young woman who assumes the role of a widow. Shakti Samanta directed this musical blockbuster.

'Khamoshi' (1969)

Rajesh Khanna and Waheeda Rehman delivered great performances in this Asit Sen movie. Khamoshi has other highlights like Hemant Kumar's music, Gulzar's music and Kamal Bose's beautiful cinematography. Khamoshi is about a nurse who experiences love, loss and longing with her two patients.

'Aradhana' (1969)

With golden hits like "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani" and "Roop Tera Mastana", this movie is one of Rajesh Khanna's biggest hits.  The actor looked incredibly handsome in the movie as a pilot who falls in love and meets with a tragic end. Aradhana made women swoon on him, left right and centre!

'Bawarchi' (1972)

This Hrishikesh Mukherjee film is a comedy that attained cult status over the years. It has been remade in South Indian languages too. Bawarchi had the typical middle-class set up of Mukherjee's films and dealt with human psychology.

Rajesh Khanna has one of the best filmographies in Bollywood. The actor who was known for his romantic image, was also an ace in the emotional scenes. He has over 20 films in his repertoire which can be watched again and again. Do let us know which of his films are your favourite?

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2024 08:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).