Known as the first superstar of Indian cinema, Rajesh Khanna, called fondly as Kaka, rose to fame in the Hindi film industry during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He delivered back-to-back hits during the peak of his career and became the heartthrob of the generation. Born in Amritsar as Jatin Khanna, he was adopted by his father Chunni Lal Khanna, and mother Leela Wati Khanna. He spent his formative years in theatre and came into the public eye when he won the All India Talent Contest organized by United Producers and Filmfare. With the dream to join the Hindi film industry, Khanna made his debut with Aakhri Khat (1966). The film was India's official entry to the Oscars in 1967 but did not make it to the final selection. Under contract with United Producers, he appeared in several films produced by the studio but found instant stardom with Shakti Samanth’s Aradhana (1969). The unconventional story had Khanna playing a double role alongside co-star Sharmila Tagore. The songs of the film were a huge success and sparked off a partnership between Khanna and the legendary singer Kishore Kumar.

The success of Aradhana was followed by Ittefaq (1969), Sachcha Jhoota (1970), Kati Patang (1971), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Anand (1971), Chhoti Bahu (1971), Amar Prem (1972), Daag: A Poem of Love (1973), amongst others. He played various roles, and played both tragic and comic characters with ease which bore testament to his versatility. He played a chef in Bawarchi (1972), the terminally ill yet full of life patient in Anand (1971), a lonely lovelorn husband in Amar Prem, and a psychiatric patient in Khamoshi (1969). Besides the films, the songs became super hits as well and melodious tunes became the staple of a Rajesh Khanna film. Despite his many roles, his screen persona mainly had him as a gentle, romantic hero. This changed with the advent of the next superstar, Amitabh Bachchan, who built his persona around the angry, young man.

He had 15 consecutive hit films between 1969 and 1971, a record that remains unbroken till date. His on-screen pairing with Mumtaz and Sharmila Tagore was immensely successful but he acted alongside Hema Malini in the most number of films. They appeared in 15 films together.

He won the Filmfare Awards for Best Actor in Sachaa Jhutha (1971), Anand (1972), Avishkaar (1975), as well as the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

His phenomenal success, along with his unique acting style made him a heartthrob. It is claimed that his presence would cause extreme excitement amongst his female fans. Stories circulated about women who would write love letters to him in their blood and get married to his photograph. He would be thronged by fans wherever he went and was the first star to enjoy that level of stardom.

Khanna married Dimple Kapadia in 1973, just before the release of Kapadia's debut film Bobby (1973). They have two daughters from the marriage - Twinkle and Rinke Khanna. The couple separated in 1984 but did not get divorced.

In the 1990s, Khanna dabbled in politics and joined the Congress party, becoming a Member of Parliament. He retained his seat till 1996, after which he left active politics. He continued to play character roles in some films and also appeared in some television serials.

His health started to deteriorate in early 2012 and he died later that year. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, and in 2013, during the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards Ceremony, was officially given the title of "The First Superstar of Indian Cinema.” His last on-screen appearance was in Riyasat (2014), a film that was released two years after his death.