Today, it's been a whole year since the Indian Film Industry lost it's first superstar. Kaka, as he was called fondly, was born in Amritsar with the name Jatin Khanna. Khanna was adopted by relatives of his biological parents, Chunni Lal and Leela Wati Khanna. Khanna was peculiar from the very beginning. He was the first newcomer to struggle in a MG sports car. Still, whether it was the twinkle in his eyes or his endless charms, the world may never forget this epitome of Indian stardom. He leaves behind him an endless succession of films and golden-era music. We may not have listened to the latest Bollywood number but Mere Sapnon Ki Rani will forever remain imprinted in our hearts. Kisi badi khushi ke intezaar mein hum yeh choti-choti khushiyon ke mauke kho dete hain. —Bawarchi (1972) Even today the dialogue of Rajesh Khanna's films resonate with Indian moviegoers world-wide. With films like Bawarchi, he proved that he wasn't just a pretty face.

But what really made Rajesh Khanna the hearthrob of the nation was that he stood out. He stood beyond the shadows of industry greats like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand. He had his own style, his own charms to bestow upon the female population of the nation. He was unlike anyone else and therein lay his greatest treasure. When he spoke, the nation listened. When he smiled, the ladies sighed. Every film he contributed to had one common element – sincerity. He made the audience want to root for him. It was as if there wasn't a dishonest bone in his body. He was the one you mooned over, the one your heart was worth stopping for. He was the first actor of independent India to touch the brink of super stardom. He went where no one else had and he smiled and sailed his way through all of it.