Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna passes away

, Jul 18:

's first superstar Rajesh Khanna, 69,

at his Bandra residence 'Ashirwad' in Mumbai on Wednesday, Jul 18.

After a prolonged illness, the actor breathed his last on Wednesday afternoon. His family sources confirmed the news. His wife Dimple Kapadia, daughters - Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna and son-in-law Akshay Kumar along with other close relatives and friends were present at his residence.

Rajesh Khanna was admitted to Lilavati Hospital thrice as he complained about weakness and Blood Pressure (BP) problem. However, sources earlier had informed that the superstar's liver had been damaged due to his alcohol addiction.

Media reports on Wednesday morning quoted one of his relatives as saying, "Kaka is not responding to medicines, he is on drips as there is no intake of food and is lying lifeless on his bed. He was grasping for breath since morning."

Rajesh Khanna was born in Amritsar on Dec 29, 1942 and was brought up by his foster parents who were friends of his biological parents. His real name was Jatin Khanna before entering the celluloid world. When he decided to join films, his uncle changed his name from Jatin to Rajesh. Before commencing his political career, Rajesh Khanna made record of giving fifteen successive super hit movies.

The actor was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Congress from the New Delhi constituency. He won in the 1992 by-election, retaining his seat until the 1996 election.

He pursued his political career with Congress Party and campaigned for the party in Punjab for 2012 elections.

The actor also tried his hand in business. A group of foreign investors along with Rajesh Khanna had bought land in Shirdi. They had planned to build a religious resort for disciples of Shirdi Sai Baba.

OneIndia News