NEW DELHI - Yesteryear’s superstar Rajesh Khanna will be given the lifetime achievement award at the 10th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards in Macau next month.

Rajesh, who gave hits like Aradhana, Kati Patang, Anand and Amar Prem, will be felicitated at the award ceremony of the 10th IIFA celebrations on June 13, an IIFA press statement said.

“Over the years, we have paid tribute to the greats of the Indian film industry, recognising their contribution to cinema. In our 10th year at the IIFA Awards in Macau, we honour Rajesh Khanna who has undoubtedly defined romance in our films, said Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft International Entertainment, the organisers of the glitzy event.

“He (Rajesh) is considered the first superstar of Indian cinema and has influenced an entire genre of romantic movies, creating a legendary persona that strikes a chord with the youth, even today. added Joseph.

In the past, IIFA has awarded Bollywood stalwarts like Waheeda Raham, Asha Parekh, Yash Chopra, Dharmendra, Mumtaz and others for their contribution to Indian cinema.

Over 500 luminaries from the Indian film industry are expected to watch Rajesh Khanna receive the award.

The 10th IIFA Weekend will be held at The Venetian Macau Resort June 11-13.

The three-day event will see a host of Indian celebrities as well as international film personalities including brand ambassador megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his family, actors Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapur, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta.

Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor will be among the star performers at the event.