By IANS,
Mumbai : Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan Wednesday said Rajesh Khanna was a superstar and will remain so in the hearts of his fans.
In a tribute, he said: “He was a heartthrob of three generations who scaled unprecedented heights of popularity during his remarkable career. He infused life into each of the roles that he portrayed with great aplomb.”
Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said Rajesh Khanna’s demise spells the end of an era in Bollywood.
“When he was elected MP from New Delhi and till his tenure ended, he did not accept a single movie assignment, and he campaigned for me twice in Karad Lok Sabha constituency,” said Chavan adding that Rajesh Khanna achieved stardom in a relatively short period and besides the film industry, ruled over the hearts of millions of fans.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said his death is “an irreparable loss” to the Indian film industry.
Eknath Khadse, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Leader of Opposition in Assembly, said he was extremely popular among Indian audiences and remained so till his end.
BJP’s Leader of Opposition in the Council Vinod Tawde said the “first Superstar of Bollywood, who was the ‘Anand’ (happiness) of his admirers and fans is no more with us”.
Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said “an era of style and popularity has ended” with Rajesh Khanna’s demise.
Union Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said we have lost a “great entertainer” whose popularity reached phenomenal heights when he was at the top.
Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said we have lost a truly versatile actor and Superstar of the yesteryears.