Rajesh Khanna, the actor who became Bollywood's first superstar with a string of movie hits in the seventies, died in his Mumbai home today. Born on December 29, 1942, Khanna was also a former Lok Sabha MP. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

The actor had been battling with health issues for a long time and was frequently admitted to hospital in the last few months. Kaka, as he was popularly known, is survived by wife Dimple Kapadia and daughters Twinkle and Rinke.

Scores of worried fans gathered outside his 'Aashirwad' home on Carter Road in Bandra on Wednesday following the news. Condolence messages poured in from all over for the yesteryear's superstar. Many celebrities from film industry are flocking into his bunglow in Bandra to stand by the grieving family.

Priya Dutta, Asha Parekh, Raj Babbar, jaya Prada, Anu Malik, Sajid Khan, Asha Bhosle, Subash Ghai and a number of personalities from films and politics, expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Rajesh Khanna.

Kaka appeared in 163 films. He had 15 consecutive solo superhits between 1969 and 1972, which is still an unbroken record in Indian film history.

Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar have condoled the death of cinema personality and former Member of Parliament, Rajesh Khanna. Dr Manmohan Singh conveyed his heart-felt condolences to the members of the bereaved family, countless fans and admirers of the veteran film actor.

Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Mrs Meira Kumar and Congress President Mrs. Sonia Gandhi expressed deep sorrow and grief on the passing away of Rajesh Khanna.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ambika Soni has also condoled the death of noted film personality Rajesh Khanna. In her condolence message to the members of the bereaved family, Mrs. Soni said, the Indian film industry has lost one of its iconic personalities who gave a new identity to the male protagonist in films. Mrs Soni said, very few actors can match the charisma, stardom and popularity that Rajesh Khanna enjoyed. She said, Rajesh Khanna gave Indian cinema a whiff of fresh air by projecting the essence of goodness and romance in the various characters that he portrayed.

BJP President, Nitin Gadkari has also expressed grief and sorrow on the demise of Rajesh Khanna. In his message, Mr. Gadkari said that he was a versatile actor and his departure has left a void in the Indian film industry.