Rajesh Khanna knew that his time had come

Rajesh Khanna's cancer was diagnosed a year and a half ago. In this period, Akshay Kumarhad a key role to play. Having lost his own father to cancer a few years ago, Akki reached out to his pa-in-law like a true son. He ensured that every member of the family rallied around the ex-superstar, the yesteryear icon. We've learnt from sources that RK, who was battling the dreaded disease, wanted to live it up to the very end.

A recluse by nature, his last days were made happy by his older daughter Twinkle. Often she and her father would have lunch together at her residence. Akki even got the family to celebrate RK's birthday (December 29) in Goa last year.

Besides the family, two others who were a constant by Kaka's bedside were his old aide Balakrishna, who is addressed by everyone as 'Balaji' and also Anju Mahendroo, who made it a point to keep Dimple company by Kaka's bedside. Anju and Dimple kept vigil by rotation. Twenty days ago Kaka realised that his battle for life was a lost cause.

He told his family, "The medications are not working. I know my time has come." His last wish was to have a grand funeral. And the family ensured that he left his residence like an emperor on a flower decked truck followed all the way to the crematorium by the Police, the fans, the media and a heart-broken industry. Such was the impact of the illness that Kaka had become physically frail in his last days, honestly even his spirit was broken, but we still say — Anand mara nahin.True legends don't die.

Alvida Kakaji
At 10.15 am yesterday, India's first superstar's funeral procession left from his home Aashirwad.Rajesh Khanna was laid in a transparent casket in a vehicle adorned with white flowers. Dimple Kapadia and the family stood by the casket. Family and thousands of fans bid adieu to Indian cinema's king of romance, as his grandson Aarav lit the pyre. Anju Mahendroo stood by Dimple's side all through at the crematorium. The condolence meet will be held on Saturday.

These articles make me more sad :(