Actor Rajesh Khanna, who had been ailing since the past few weeks, passed away at his residence on Wednesday afternoon. Khanna, who was known as India's first superstar because of his vast fan following and immense success, had been suffering from various health issues and had been rushed to Lilavati Hospital twice in the past one month.

On June 21, when rumours of Khanna's critical condition spread like wildfire, the actor made a heroic appearance from the balconey of his residence 'Aashirwad' and waved at the frenzied mob gathered outside to catch a glimpse of their favourite actor.

Rajesh Khanna's health started deteriorating since April this year when the actor stopped taking food and complained of exhaustion and weakness and swarms of fans gathered outside the ailing superstar's Bandra residence today after news of his passing away started doing the rounds.

One of the eight finalists of the 1965 All India Talent Contest organised by United Producers and Filmfare, Rajesh Khanna became an overnight sensation after 'Aradhana', in which he played a double role and commanded the most loyal fan following ever as far as Bollywood was concerned. It is said that during his heydays, young women would write him letters written in their blood and also get married to his photographs.

He breathed his last in the presence of his wife Dimple Kapadia, daughters Rinkie and Twinkle, son-in-law Akshay Kumar, grand children and close relatives