KC pays tribute to the legend

Not many know that in the early ’50s, when the late actor Rajesh Khanna was a student at city’s KC College, he’d won the Madhuri Talent Hunt for theatre artistes. It later helped him find a footing in the film industry. His success in the ’60s and ’70s is, of course, the stuff of legend.

As a tribute to one of its most illustrious alumni, the college will pay a tribute to the actor at a special gathering today.

The event, hosted by the college’s Culture Club and the core committee of their annual festival Kiran, will include the screening of a documentary made by college students. It features footage of Khanna during his visits to his alma mater. “It is a 10-minute short film made by three students. It has Rajesh Khanna talking about his experiences as a student in the college,” says Zeba Warsi, member, core committee, Kiran.

Yesteryear actor Poonam Dhillon, who acted with Khanna in films such as Red Rose (1980), Dard (1981), Nishaan (1983) and Zamana (1985), will be present to speak about her experience of working with the late actor. College principal Manju Nichani will also address the gathering.

One of the oldest members of the college staff, a security guard who’s fondly called Lallan chacha, will also share his memories of Khanna from when he was a student at the college. “Lallan chacha is in his late ’70s and probably the only one in college who remembers seeing Khanna as a student.

Listening to him speak will be very special,” says Warsi.

This year, the college’s annual festival, to be held in August, will be themed around revolutionaries from all sphere of life. Needless to say, there will a contingent named after Khanna too. “With his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema, he has been a revolutionary of sorts. He was the first superstar in the industry,” adds Warsi.

The memorial will be held today at:

MMR Room,

KC College,

Churchgate,

from 2 pm onwards.

Open to all.