Mumbai, July 18 (IANS) Veteran actress Hema Malini is in shock after hearing about the demise of Rajesh Khanna and says she always hoped that he would recover.

We always thought he would come back (from the hospital). We are in shock right now, Hema told a TV news channel.

Rajesh Khanna died at his Bandra residence Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 69.

Talking about her last meeting with the superstar, the actress said: We met at Apsara Awards, at the celebration of 100 years of cinema. He spoke to us and he talked properly and looked fine.

The two worked together in films like Andaz and Prem Nagar and Hema says the news is sad and she will soon meet his family members.

I have worked with him in many films but right now this is a very sad moment and I must go and meet his family members, she said.