The Prime Minister has condoled the passing away of  Thespian Rajesh Khanna. The Prime Minister in his condolence message to daughter Twinkle Khanna recalled the fame of  Rajesh Khanna saying that his popularity as a romantic hero in the 1960s and 1970s is a part of our film folklore.

The text of the Prime Minister's condolence message is as follows: 

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of  your father Shri  Rajesh  Khanna.

Shri Rajesh Khanna was a celebrated artiste who entertained  millions of Indians with his performance in a variety of films. He was called the first Superstar of the Indian cinema and his popularity as a romantic hero in the 1960s and 1970s  is a part of our film folklore. His legacy will live on in the form of the numerous entertaining and acclaimed films that he leaves behind. The powerful roles he essayed in classics like Anand, Aradhana, Kati Patnag and Amar Prem stand testimony to his artistic genius.

Shri Rajesh Khanna was also a colleague in the Congress Party and was a member of the Lok Sabha in the early nineties.

In the passing away of  the Shri Rajesh Khanna  the Indian film industry has lost one of its most successful and most charming heroes.

On this sad occasion,  I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and Shri Khanna's  countless fans and admirers. I pray for peace of the departed soul."