1. The final salute.
Me and my classmates had set off for Podiyadi, near Thiruvalla, by 0900h to be in time for RGK's funeral. The drive was uneventful and we reached our destination without difficulty thanks to the right directions provided beforehand.
I'd placed a clutch of flowers, on behalf of the SSKZM's class of '72, on the glass topped bubble in which RGK was lying in state. He seemed to be finally at peace with himself but seemed to be badly shrunk because of the potent medical administrations applied on him over a prolonged period. As I stood beside the coffin, along with my other classmates, I couldn't help but notice his feet that had displayed great skills in tackling and hitting the ball to the goalposts, many a time, on our school's football fields.
RGK's script, in this life, had come to an end. As we sat outside at the forecourt of his house, under the shamiana rigged up for the purpose, I took in the entire surroundings where he'd grown up and spent a sizeable amount of his lifetime! And around 1430h, his earthly remains were kept on the pyre and finally, consigned to the flames by his daughters, Amulya and Aditi. It was the end of a life well spent.
With tears and prayers! I'd, however, like to add that I'd like to remember you, RGK, as you figure in one our snapshots from school, always!!
2. Rajesh Khanna is history.
The Hindi movie industry's first superstar - his acceptability cut across ages nay generations - has passed into the mist of time. I remember becoming his instant fan after seeing the movie, 'Aradhana' and had never missed any of his films subsequently. His movies created hysteria among the masses and there seemed to be nothing that could stop him. It would not be wrong to say that the decade of the 70s indeed belonged to him!
His passing away makes me feel that a vital link to those times has snapped for ever.
RIP Rajesh Khanna. Your celluloid efforts shall keep you alive in the minds of the people for the years to come.
Epilogue.
Is it a mere coincidence that RGK and RK - both relevant to the halcyon days of the early '70s - decided to leave this earth on the same day? I wonder.
Me and my classmates had set off for Podiyadi, near Thiruvalla, by 0900h to be in time for RGK's funeral. The drive was uneventful and we reached our destination without difficulty thanks to the right directions provided beforehand.
I'd placed a clutch of flowers, on behalf of the SSKZM's class of '72, on the glass topped bubble in which RGK was lying in state. He seemed to be finally at peace with himself but seemed to be badly shrunk because of the potent medical administrations applied on him over a prolonged period. As I stood beside the coffin, along with my other classmates, I couldn't help but notice his feet that had displayed great skills in tackling and hitting the ball to the goalposts, many a time, on our school's football fields.
RGK's script, in this life, had come to an end. As we sat outside at the forecourt of his house, under the shamiana rigged up for the purpose, I took in the entire surroundings where he'd grown up and spent a sizeable amount of his lifetime! And around 1430h, his earthly remains were kept on the pyre and finally, consigned to the flames by his daughters, Amulya and Aditi. It was the end of a life well spent.
With tears and prayers! I'd, however, like to add that I'd like to remember you, RGK, as you figure in one our snapshots from school, always!!
2. Rajesh Khanna is history.
The Hindi movie industry's first superstar - his acceptability cut across ages nay generations - has passed into the mist of time. I remember becoming his instant fan after seeing the movie, 'Aradhana' and had never missed any of his films subsequently. His movies created hysteria among the masses and there seemed to be nothing that could stop him. It would not be wrong to say that the decade of the 70s indeed belonged to him!
His passing away makes me feel that a vital link to those times has snapped for ever.
RIP Rajesh Khanna. Your celluloid efforts shall keep you alive in the minds of the people for the years to come.
Epilogue.
Is it a mere coincidence that RGK and RK - both relevant to the halcyon days of the early '70s - decided to leave this earth on the same day? I wonder.
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