The Hindu : Front Page : Emotional Rajesh Khanna thanks Amitabh Bachchan

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Monday, Jun 15, 2009
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Emotional Rajesh Khanna thanks Amitabh Bachchan

Macau: An emotional Rajesh Khanna, fondly called Kaka by his fans, received the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Lifetime Achievement Award from Amitabh Bachchan as the audience gave Bollywood’s “first superstar” a standing ovation.

The yesteryear’s heartthrob, who was in his element as he belted out popular dialogues from his hits, could not hide his emotions as the 12,000-strong crowd cheered him.

“My dear friends at Macau, I greet you. I have got this award after 180 films and a 40-year-long journey in the film industry and I am obliged to everyone, especially my fans and Babu Moshay [Amitabh Bachchan]. Babu Moshay, thank you very much, God bless you,” the actor said.

“Life should be big, not necessarily long, and my Babu Moshay is living life big, living life king-size. We started with Anand and today we are on this platform. He is very dear to me, he is my Babu Moshay.”

The 66-year-old actor went on to deliver his most memorable dialogue from cult classic Anand: “Itna pyar achcha nahi, Babu Moshay, ham sabhi rangmanch ki kathputliyan hai...” much to the delight of the audience that clapped wildly.

“Look where the journey started and how it reached its destination. It is all the blessings of God and the public. He [Bachchan] is not a brand ambassador for me because he is very close to me. I am here today because Amit gave me the chance and due to the public, which gave me the chance to become an actor, star and superstar,” said the veteran actor.

Khanna said he was sharing the same stage with the mega star after 16 years but “you [Bachchan] have given a big smile this time.” — PTI

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