Remembering India's first 'superstar' Rajesh Khanna on his death anniversary

Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood's first 'romantic superstar', passed away at the age of 70 on 18 July 2012.

The legendary actor, who won over viewers with his unique dialogue delivery, introduced Bollywood to the concept of 'superstardom'. Rajesh Khanna broke a record by delivering 15 back-to-back Box Office hits in a span of three years. What's more, his record is still unbroken, close to fifty years after he set it.

Despite hailing from a well-to-do family, Rajesh had to work very hard to get a break in Bollywood. He was one of the eight finalists in the 1965-edition of the All India Talent Contest, organised by United Producers and Filmfare.

He became a sensation in Bollywood overnight after his debut film Aakhri Khat (1966) hit the screens. The film was also India's official entry to the Oscars. Rajesh Khanna went from becoming a fresh, promising new face to one of Bollywood's biggest 'superstars' in just three years, after the success of Aradhana (1969).

In between Aradhana and Apna Desh (1972), he delivered a whopping 15 hits - something his peers could not match up to.

He held the tag of being Bollywood's highest-paid actor between 1970 to 1979. From 1980 to 1987, he shared the title with his contemporary, Amitabh Bachchan.

On his death anniversary, here are a few memorable songs from Rajesh Khanna's films that will inspire you to go on a movie marathon to pay tribute to the superstar: