July 18, 2012, was the saddest day for the entire country and the film fraternity as one of the iconic stars Rajesh Khanna passed away. Reportedly, his health had been deteriorating since July 2011 after he was diagnosed with cancer. Even though it has been 8 years since his tragic demise, one of his closest friends Bhupesh Raseen says he hasn't yet come to terms about losing Kakaji (as Rajesh Khanna was fondly called). In an interview with ETimes, late veteran star Rajesh Khanna's close friend revealed that the late actor had told him that his death was coming rather early. Bhupesh tells that Rajesh Khanna knew 15 months before his demise that he wouldn't survive from cancer that he was battling.
"Even much before he was diagnosed with cancer, I tried my best to take him off his cigarettes and alcohol, but I failed," he told the portal. "He would have been 78 today if he was alive. He was unique. He had the DNA of a superstar, which he proved on-screen and off-screen. He lived his life King's size," he said while remembering kakaji. Bhupesh further added, "The only thing besides taking him off from alcohol and cigarettes that I couldn't do is to take him to Haridwar to buy a land, which he so dearly wanted," and he concluded with a sigh, saying, "I miss Kakaji very much."
Rajesh Khanna was referred to as the "First Superstar" of Indian cinema. He has given several hits in Aaradhana, Haathi Mere Saathi, Ittefaq, Katti Patang and many more. He got married to Dimple Kapadia and have two daughters - Rinkie Khanna and Twinkle Khanna who is married to actor Akshay Kumar.
Image source: Instagram/ rajeshkhanna.fanpage