Rajesh Khanna was a symbol of romance: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that Rajesh Khanna was a symbol of romance and in his death the film world has lost a "pole star".

"Rajesh Khanna was always a symbol of romance. His smiling face and the ability to connect with people at ease had made him popular. We lost a big pole star in the film world today," Mamata said while paying tribute to the Hindi films' first superstar whom, she said, she knew personally.

The chief minister said, "Rajesh Khanna was a legend and his acting has delighted cinema-lovers across many generations. It's a very sad day and his demise is a colossal loss for the Indian cinema. May his soul rest in peace."

Recalling the days when the Bollywood superstar was an MP, Mamata said, "I had known him personally. We used to gossip in the Central Hall of Parliament. His smiling face is still fresh in my mind."

Reflecting on Khanna's lighter side, the chief minister said, "I had once invited him for a Trinamool Congress party rally in Kolkata. He had told me in a lighter vein 'I would go well-dressed.'

The chief minister conveyed her deep condolence to Dimple Kapadia and other members in the departed actor's family.