Zindagi Ka Safar: Rajesh Khanna's final journey

Bollywood's first superstar Rajesh Khanna's last rites have been held in Mumbai's Vile Parle area.

Son-in-law Akshay Kumar lit the funeral pyre, accompanied by his son Aarav. Mr Khanna died at home in Mumbai on Wednesday (July 18, 2012). He was 69 and had been battling cancer

The cremation was a private affair and the assembled press were asked by Akshay Kumar not to film the ceremony.

Amitabh Bachchan, who wrote a moving blog tribute to Rajesh Khanna, arrived at Vile Parle crematorium with son Abhishek Bachchan. Their presence caused a stampede of sorts among the crowd of fans, making it difficult for them to enter the crematorium.

Mr Bachchan and Abhishek being helped by policemen. They were also among the first celebrities to arrive at the Khanna residence yesterday, when news of Mr Khanna's death was announced.

Earlier, the funeral procession of Mr Khanna began from his bungalow, 'Aashirwad' on Carter Road at around 10 AM with fans queuing up outside his home. His body was kept in a glass casket for his fans to pay their last respects.

Aarav holds on to his father Akshay Kumar.

Rajesh Khanna's estranged wife Dimple Kapadia.

Rajesh Khanna and Dimple got married in 1973 and got separated in 1984 but the two never formally divorced.

Dimple Kapadia with her younger daughter Rinkie Khanna.

His sons-in-law Akshay Kumar and Sameer Saran were overseeing arrangements.

Akshay Kumar thanks fans, while sister-in-law Rinkie and mother-in-law Dimple Kapadia stand next to Mr Khanna's casket. Also seen in the picture is Rinkie's husband Samir.

Mr Khanna died at home yesterday. He was 69 and had been battling cancer.

The vehicle carrying Mr Khanna had huge black and white photographs of the actor on both its sides.

Rajesh Khanna's fans holding his poster as they walk along the cavalcade.

The crowd outside the crematorium was a reflection of Mr Khanna's iconic status.

Cops were seen having a troubled time controlling fans, who had gathered in huge numbers on the road and the skywalk at Santa Cruz to bid adieu to the 'King of Romance'.

Hundreds of Rajesh Khanna fans bid adieu to their favourite actor.

Fans hold a photograph of Rajesh Khanna during his funeral.

In the morning, producer-director Karan Johar visited Rajesh Khanna's residence.

He had tweeted on Wednesday: "The magic...the mannerism...the mania of RAJESH KHANNA is inscribed in every archive of indian cinema...forever....RIP SIR!!! "

Director Sajid Khan was also there to pay his last respects to the late actor.