Seven iconic roles of Rajesh Khanna that still remains fresh in the hearts of millions

Without doubt, the first superstar the country has ever seen, it's been seven years since Rajesh Khanna departed from the earth to heaven. The legendary actor has never failed to put his life in the characters he played and people still see him with all the devotion that they had during his prime years. There can't be any other actor like Rajesh Khanna in Bollywood ever again. The way he infused life in his character arguably can't be achieved these days. Here are the seven iconic roles played by the late actor that still remains fresh in our hearts -

Legendary actor Rajesh Khanna played a patient who suffers from cancer in this Hrishikesh Mukherjee directorial. His character despite suffering the ailment believes in living his life to the fullest. With a supporting cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Sumita Sanyal, Ramesh Deo, and Seema Deo, the film remains a must-watch no matter which generation you are from.

The film remains as an immortal love story that went down generations in the country. The 1972 Shakti Samanta directorial saw Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore in the lead roles and was always considered ahead of the time. Sharmila Tagore plays the role of a prostitute while Rajesh Khanna essayed the role of a lonely businessman. Also, who can forget the line, "Pushpa..I hate tears".

After 'Anand', Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Rajesh Khanna collaborated for this box office hit film, which yet again saw the legendary actor sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan. The film which had music by R.D. Burman gifted us some of the most memorable melodies including "Diye Jalte Hai", "Nadiya Se Dariya" and "Main Shayar Badnaam". The film is also considered a milestone that made Amitabh Bachchan a superstar.

The M. A. Thirumugam directorial starring Rajesh Khanna and Tanuja in the lead roles was the biggest hit film of the year 1971. The critically acclaimed film also is regarded as one of the best films of Rajesh Khanna. The story of Raju who has the company of four elephants and performs with them at street corners was a favourite entertainer for many children at that time.

Director Hrishikesh Mukherjee gifted another pearl to the Indian film industry with this cult classic comedy-drama that starred Rajesh Khanna in the lead role. With the film, the legendary actor proved that not just only romance, but comedy is also his department. The film saw Rajesh Khanna in the role of a cook who came to the house with unhappy members and filled smiles in their life.

This unique film by Yash Chopra which saw Rajesh Khanna playing the role of a painter who is being tried for murdering his wife is regarded as one of the best suspense thrillers of the time. The film starred Rajesh Khanna in the lead with Nanda, Bindu, Madan Puri. Another feature was that the film did not have any songs in it. The movie is a remake of 1965 American movie 'Signpost to Murder' and was a semi-hit at the box office.

The Shakti Samanta directorial saw Asha Parekh play the lead alongside Rajesh Khanna and was the second among the nine movies that the director and the legendary actor collaborated. The music composed by R.D. Burman gave us many memorable hits including 'Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai', 'Yeh Shaam Mastani' and 'Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai, Mastaana Hota Hai'. The film is hailed as one of the best performances of Rajesh Khanna in his career.