The weekend saw late actor Rajesh Khanna’s family and Bollywood contemporaries at the Taj Land’s End Hotel to launch a bronze statue in his memory.
The statute will be installed at the UTV Stars’ Walk of the Stars promenade at Band Stand in Bandra, Mumbai.
Present at the event were Akshay Kumar, Dimple Kapadia, Twinkle Khanna, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Adhuna Akhtar, Rishi Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Hema Malini, Asha Parekh, Anju Mahendru, Jackie Shroff, Rakesh Roshan, Poonam Sinha, Amar Singh, Rajeev Shukla, Mithun Chakraborty, Jeetendra, Honey Irani, Zeenat Aman, Pankaj Nihalani, Shammi and Anu Malik.
Said Dimple Kapadia, “He lived like Anand. My life with him has been a roller coaster ride; I am honored to be his wife. He was a great man and deserves to be celebrated. The likes of Kakaji, Dilipji, and Yashji…have had a great impact on us. Kakaji was always accessible for the press and the fans. I think it is wonderful for his fans; he used to stand in his balcony and wave out to his fans, he was very fond of them. I think it is a great day not only for the family but also for his fans who can now sit with him, hug him, and take pictures with him.”
Son-in-law Akshay Kumar said, “He was the first super star; He began the concept of a superstar. UTV Stars has given this honour and a hall of fame to these people is a great thing. We are grateful when people notice the work of stalwarts like these. The statue has a look of freedom and happiness. The balloon signifies that you have to be free in life.”
Danseuse and actress Hema Malini elaborated, “The balloon and the whole posture represents freedom. He was a fearless man, whether negative or positive results. The most important thing I noticed was that he was very accessible to people.”
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Pix: Yogen Shah for MissMalini