Rare pictures of Rajiv Gandhi

New Delhi: Rajiv Gandhi, who despite being reluctant towards politics initially, proved himself a great leader who could be looked up to by a nation like India. Born in Nehru-Gandhi family, Rajiv was sent to London to pursue studies where he met Sonia, the girl of his dreams. After marrying her, Rajiv settled down in India and was leading a happy family life away from the glare of media and political affairs. He was working as a pilot. But this peaceful life only lasted until Rajiv's mother Indira was assassinated. After her assassination the throne which was left empty was filled by Rajiv Gandhi.Unwillingly Rajiv entered the corridors of politics and eventually became the prime minister.Leaving behind his two kids Rahul and Priyanka and sobbing wife Sonia, Rajiv Gandhi died in 1991 in an explosion carried out by a female LTTE suicide bomber Dhanu. Here we give you some less seen pictures from Rajiv's life and times: Rajiv as a kid with his grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru, younger brother Sanjay and mother Indira. Rajiv de-boarding a flight with his wife Sonia. Rajiv during an election campaign. Rajiv with former president Pratibha Patil. Rajiv at a statue memorial. Rajiv with Mother Teressa. Rajiv with Sonia and former British Prime Minister Margret Thatcher. Rajiv with Mamta Banerjee. Rajiv with mother Indira. Rajiv with his family. Rajiv with his son Rahul during a Marathon. Rajiv with son Rahul during a campaign. Rajiv with NTR. Rajiv during a campaign. Rajiv with wife Sonia and two kids, Rahul and Priyanka. Rajiv with legendary cricket players, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shashtri. Rajiv with mother Indira and younger brother Sanjay. Rajiv with wife Sonia. Young Rajiv with grandfather Nehru and mother Indira. Rajiv with Janta Party president Subramanian Swamy. Rajiv with his beautiful wife Sonia. Rajiv with President Pranab Mukherjee. Rajiv in a flight. Rajiv during a campaign. Rajiv interacting with school children. Rajiv with wife Sonia. Rajiv with family. Rajiv in his pilot uniform. Rajiv with wife Sonia and kids. Rajiv with Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, Anatoly Dobrynin. Rajiv in some deep thought process. Rajiv while praying. Rajiv in a typical Brahmin avatar. Rajiv with veteran playback singer Lata Mangeshkar. Rajiv with General Zia-ul-Haq.