The story of Rajesh Khanna, one of Bollywood’s most iconic stars, is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of fame. Khanna, who reigned supreme in the 1960s and 1970s with a string of unforgettable hits, was celebrated as the greatest movie star of his time. His charisma and screen presence were unmatched, making him a beloved figure in Indian cinema. However, as the years passed, the tides of the film industry began to shift.
When Khanna’s movies started to falter at the box office, he found it difficult to adapt to the changing landscape. Unlike the emerging star Amitabh Bachchan, who captured the audience’s attention with gritty, socially relevant dramas, Khanna clung to the formula that had once brought him success. This unwillingness to evolve, combined with the inevitable pressures of stardom, led to a period of decline that was as dramatic as his rise.
Veteran film journalist Ali Peter John, who witnessed Khanna’s career closely, offered a glimpse into the actor’s struggles during this challenging time. According to John, after Khanna’s marriage to Dimple Kapadia, his career began to wane. Despite this, Khanna maintained his high fees and steadfast attitude, which only exacerbated his difficulties, “After his marriage to Dimple Kapadia, his career started going downhill, but he did not reduce his price or change his attitude,” he told Rediff in an interview.
Khanna’s rivalry with Bachchan, who was quickly becoming the new face of Bollywood, added to his woes. John recounted instances of Khanna’s growing insecurity, including moments when the once-mighty star found himself on the terrace of his bungalow, overwhelmed by emotions. Khanna’s unease even extended to his interactions with Jaya Bhaduri, Bachchan’s partner at the time, whom he would caution against associating with the rising star, “Kyun tum is aadmi ke saath ghumti ho? Tumhara kuch nahi hoga (Why are you going out with this man. He is not going to amount to much),” he recalled.
Despite their strained relationship, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan did share the screen in the film *Bawarchi*. However, the tension between the two was palpable on set. Khanna, who was at the peak of his career, didn’t shy away from belittling Bachchan, going so far as to openly ignore him whenever he visited the sets to see Jaya Bhaduri. According to film journalist Ali Peter John, who witnessed these interactions, Jaya advised Bachchan to rise above the insults. “Ek din dekhna yeh kahan hoga aur tum kahan hoge(One day, you will see where he will be and where you will be),” she reassured him, hinting at the dramatic shift in Bollywood’s power dynamics that was soon to come.
Khanna’s inability to adapt to the changing times and his refusal to acknowledge the rise of new talent like Bachchan contributed to a continuous downward spiral in his career. Even towards the end of his life, opportunities that could have revitalized his presence were met with hesitation. Khanna was offered a lucrative deal to appear on the reality show ‘Bigg Boss’, with a reported fee of Rs 3.5 crore.
Rajesh Khanna, often hailed as the “First Superstar” of Indian cinema, was a legendary actor whose charisma and charm captivated audiences throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Born on December 29, 1942, as Jatin Khanna, he rose to unprecedented fame with a string of blockbuster hits that defined an era in Bollywood. Khanna’s on-screen persona was marked by his distinctive smile, intense eyes, and an effortless ability to portray romantic and emotional characters. His performances in iconic films like ‘Aradhana’, ‘Anand’, ‘Amar Prem’, and ‘Kati Patang’ solidified his status as a cultural phenomenon.
Khanna’s career trajectory was remarkable, with a record-breaking 15 consecutive solo hit films between 1969 and 1971—a feat that remains unparalleled. His collaboration with playback singer Kishore Kumar and music director R.D. Burman produced some of the most memorable songs in Bollywood history, further enhancing his appeal.
However, as the film industry evolved in the late 1970s and 1980s, Khanna’s star began to wane. Despite his initial reluctance to adapt to new trends, his earlier contributions to Indian cinema remain highly regarded. Khanna’s off-screen life was equally notable, marked by his marriage to actress Dimple Kapadia and his brief foray into politics as a Member of Parliament.
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