Rajesh Khanna (1942-2012) was a famous Indian actor, producer and politician. At the peak of his career, he enjoyed a God-like status among his fans and became the first Superstar of the Indian Cinema. He is known for starring in 17 consecutively hit films from 1969 to 1971, a record that has yet to be broken. He has worked in super hit films such as ‘Aakhri Khat’ (1966), ‘Aradhana’ (1969), ‘Do Raaste’ (1969), ‘Kati Patang’ (1971), and ‘Namak Haram’ (1973). Rajesh Khanna passed away at the age of 69 due to cancer.
Wiki/Biography
Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna on Tuesday, 29 December 1942 (age 69 years; at the time of his death) in Amritsar, Punjab, British India (now India). His zodiac sign was Capricorn. He studied at St. Sebastian’s Goan High School along with his friend and famous movie star, Jeetendra. Rajesh Khanna also studied at Hill Grange High School. In 1959, he attended Pune’s Nowrosjee Wadia College and completed the first two years of his B.A. Later, he joined the K.C. College in Mumbai. He enjoyed acting in school and college plays. In 1962, he had a small role in the play ‘Andha Yug’, where he played a mute, wounded soldier. The chief guest praised his performance and suggested he get into films. Rajesh Khanna died on 18 July 2012.
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 8″
Weight (approx.): 75 kg
Hair Colour: White
Eye Colour: Black
Family & Caste
Rajesh Khanna was born in a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family.
Parents & Siblings
Rajesh Khanna’s father, Lala Hiranand Khanna, was a headmaster at the MC High School in Burewala, Pakistan, and his mother was Chandrani Khanna. He was adopted by his father’s elder brother, Chunnilal Khanna, a businessman and Leelawati Khanna, who didn’t have any kids of their own.
Rajesh Khanna with his parents, Lala Hiranand and Chandrani Khanna
From his biological parents, Rajesh Khanna had an elder brother, Narinder Khanna, whom he would often introduce as his cousin. He had another brother, Jatin Khanna and four sisters, Chanchal, Vijay, Kamlesh, and Manju Khanna.
Wife & Children
On 27 March 1973, Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia, a famous Indian actress who was only 15 years old at the time. In an interview, Dimple talked about her excitement about marrying Rajesh Khanna and said,
The biggest high for me was to marry Rajesh Khanna. That was a high and I don’t think my success was as much of a high as getting married to this superstar. I used to be a big fan of his, it was dream come true.”
Wedding ceremony of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia
After marriage, Dimple quit acting at the request of Rajesh Khanna. The couple soon found themselves in an unhappy relationship and separated in 1982, but never divorced. Dimple resumed her acting career in 1984. The couple have two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna. Twinkle Khanna is a well-known columnist, author, producer and former actress who is married to famous Indian actor, Akshay Kumar. Rinke Khanna is a former actress who married Samir Saran, an entrepreneur and businessman.
Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia with Twinkle and Rinke Khanna
Relationships/Affairs
Rajesh Khanna was in a 7-year relationship with Anju Mahendru, a budding actress before he married Dimple Kapadia as a rebound for his bad break up with Anju. Famously, he even got his ‘Baraat’ (wedding processions) to go from in front of the house of Anju just to spite her. They broke up because Rajesh wanted her to quit acting, which she wasn’t ready to do. According to Anju, they didn’t speak to each other for 17 years after their breakup.
Anju Mahendru with Rajesh Khanna
After his separation from Dimple, Rajesh Khanna was in a relationship with fellow actress, Tina Munim. Tina wanted him to divorce Dimple and marry her. Rajesh Khanna wasn’t ready for it as he thought it might negatively impact his daughters and eventually, they broke off their relationship. He talked about his relationship with Tina in an interview and said,
I married Dimple on the rebound and Tina was a balm on my wounds.”
Rajesh Khanna with Tina Munim
Anita Advani claims to be the last lover and close aide to Rajesh Khanna before his death. She talked about her relationship with him in an interview and said,
I call myself his surrogate wife. I have lived-in with him at Aashirwad for around eight years. During this period, I took care of him like a wife would.”
Rajesh Khanna with Tina Munim
Rajesh Khanna had never publicly admitted their relationship. After the death of Rajesh Khanna, she filed a case against Dimple Kapadia, Twinkle Khanna and Akshay Kumar citing domestic violence and claiming Rs. 10 lakh monthly as a recompense. The case was quashed by the high court soon after it was filed.
Address
Aashirwad Bungalow, Sangeet Samrat Naushad Ali Rd, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400050
Signature/Autograph
Rajesh Khanna signature
Career
Film
Rajesh Khanna made his debut in the world of cinema in 1966 with ‘Aakhri Khat’, playing the role of Govind. The film was selected in 1967 for India’s entry at the 40th Academy Awards as the Best Foreign Language Film.
Rajesh Khanna in a still from Aakhri Khat
In 1967, he had a double role in ‘Raaz’, playing the role of twin brothers, Kumar and Sunil. In 1969, he starred in the mystery thriller, ‘Ittefaq’, as Dilip Roy. In the same year, he starred in ‘Aradhana’, playing the double of father and son, Flight Lieutenant Arun Verma and Suraj Kumar Verma respectively.
Rajesh Khanna in a still from Aradhana
In 1970, he starred in the thriller film, ‘The Train’ as CID Inspector Shyam Kumar. In 1971, he starred in ‘Anand’, playing the lead role, Anand.
In the same year, he starred in the superhit film, ‘Haathi Mere Saathi’ as Raj Kumar (Raju). In 1972, he starred in the critically acclaimed musical comedy, ‘Bawarchi’ as Raghunandan (Raghu Bawarchi) / Professor Prabhakar.
Rajesh Khanna in a still from Bawarchi
In 1973, he starred in ‘Daag’ as Sunil Kohli / Sudhir. In the same year, he starred in another box-office hit, ‘Namak Haram’, playing the lead role of Somnath Chander Singh (Somu).
Rajesh Khanna on the poster of Mehbooba
In 1976, he starred in the critically acclaimed film, ‘Mehbooba’ as Prakash/Suraj. In 1979, he starred in ‘Amar Deep’, playing the role of Raja/Sonu. In 1980, he starred in ‘Red Rose’ as Anand.
Rajesh Khanna on the poster of Red Rose
In the same year, he starred in the horror film, ‘Phir Wahi Raat’ as Dr. Vijay. In 1983, he starred in the critically acclaimed film, ‘Avtaar’, as Avtaar Kishen. In 1984, he gave a highly acclaimed performance as Ram Avtar in the film, ‘Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar’.
Rajesh Khanna in a still from Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar
In 1990, he starred in ‘Swarg’ as Mr. Kumar. In 1999, he starred in ‘Aa Ab Laut Chalen’ as Balraj Khanna. In 2014, his last film, ‘Riyasat’, was released two years after his death, in which he played the role of Saheb.
Rajesh Khanna in a still from Riyasat
Television
In 2001, he entered the television industry and starred in ‘Ittefaq’ as Mr. Gopal. In 2002, he appeared in ‘Apne Paraye’. In 2008, he appeared in ‘Brahma’. In the same year, he starred in ‘Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi’.
Rajesh Khanna in a still from Ittefaq
Politics
Rajesh Khanna started campaigning for Congress after 1984 and got close to Rajiv Gandhi, on whose insistence, he decided to run for the Lok Sabha election. Rajesh Khanna filed his nomination on 26 April 1991 as a Congress candidate from the New Delhi constituency. Rajesh Khanna had a huge support from Rajeev Gandhi, who was a fan of his.
Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi casting their votes for Rajesh Khanna
Bhupesh Raseen, a close friend of Rajesh Khanna, talked about the election speeches of Rajesh Khanna with Yasser Usman for Rajesh Khanna’s biography and said,
His charm was infectious. He used to say a few lines and would end his speech with a famousdialogue or shayari. Sometimes he used to call lyricist Anand Bakshi to write lines for his speech.”
Dimple Kapadia, Twinkle Khanna, and Rinke Khanna were also seen beside Rajesh Khanna, campaigning for him.
Rajesh Khanna with Dimple Kapadia, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna
In the beginning phase of the counting of votes, it seemed that Rajesh Khanna would be a clear winner. By the end, the tables had turned and senior leader, L.K. Advani, a major contender for the seat defeated him by a small margin of 1589 votes. This upset Rajesh Khanna so much that he wanted a recounting of the votes. As luck would have it, L.K. Advani, who had fought the election from another seat and won with a huge margin in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, had moved there and the seat was ready to have another bout of election. This time, Rajesh Khanna had an easy win against fellow actor Shatrughan Sinha, promoted by L.K. Advani himself as his replacement and became a member of the Parliament. After becoming an MP, he did admit that elections are a completely different ball game than acting and said,
Winning an election is one thing and then using that platform to get the actual work done for ordinary people runs into a whole new set of challenges . . . I did become a professional politician, but could not become a political superstar. Kismet kahin to kum karegi.”
In 1996, he lost his seat to the BJP candidate, Jagmohan, with a margin of 58,315 votes. His friend, Pankaj Vohra published a piece on his political career in Hindustan Times and wrote,
Rajesh Khanna’s interest in politics always remained intact. He told me once that the Congress was going to nominate him to Rajya Sabha. It never happened and he never hid his disappointment.”
Awards & Honours
Rajesh Khanna was a multiple award-winning actor with multiple awards in his name, including the Padma Bhushan award.
Rajesh Khanna posing with his numerous awards
- In 1971, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for ‘Sachaa Jhutha’.
- In 1972, he won the Filmfare Award and Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Actor for the film, ‘Anand’.
Rajesh Khanna with his Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Anand
- In 1973, he won the Filmfare Special Award for ‘Anuraag’.
- In 1973, he won the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Actor for ‘Bawarchi’.
- In 1974, he won the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Actor for ‘Namak Haraam’.
- In 1975, he received the Filmfare Best Actor Award for ‘Avishkaar’.
- In 1985, he won the All-India Critics Association (AICA) Award for Best Actor for Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar
- In 1987, he won the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Actor for ‘Amrit’.
- In 1991, he received the Filmfare Special Award for completing 25 years in the Indian Film Industry.
- In 1995, he received the Kala Ratna Award by Punjabi Kala Sangam in Delhi.
- In 2001, he won the Zee Cine Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Indian Cinema
- In the same year, he won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 3rd Sansui Film Awards
- In 2003, he received the Raj Kapoor Award presented by the Maharashtra State Government.
Rajesh Khanna receiving the Raj Kapoor Award
- In 2004, he won the Lifetime of Glamour award at the Kingfisher Bollywood Fashion Awards.
- In the same year, he won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood Awards
- In 2005, he received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and the Stardust Pride of Film Industry Award.
- In 2006, Chandibai Himmatmal Mansukhani (CHM) College gave him the Yugantar Gaurav Puraskar on their Gaurav Diwas celebration of eminent personalities.
- In the same year, he won the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema at Bollywood Movie Awards.
- In 2009, he won the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Rajesh Khanna won the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009
- In 2009, he won the All India Film Workers Association Life Time Achievement Award at the Tamil Cine World Awards.
- In 2010, he won the Lifetime Achievement Award at Pune International Film Festival.
Rajesh Khanna won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pune International Film Festival
- In 2012, he won the Lifetime Achievement Award for Major Contribution to Indian Cinema from the Film and Television Producers Guild Association
- Rajesh Khanna has received the Glory of India Award from IIFS.
- Rajesh Khanna has also received the Mother Teresa Award.
- In 2013, India Post released a postage stamp that featured Rajesh Khanna on the occasion of 100 years of Indian Cinema.
Postal stamp of Rajesh Khanna
- In 2013, his bronze statue was revealed at Bandra Bandstand, Mumbai, on his first death anniversary.
Dimple Kapadia with the bronze statue of Rajesh Khanna
- To honour him, an intersection in Girgaon, Mumbai has been named “Superstar Rajesh Khanna Chowk”.
- In 2013, he was conferred with Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award.
Dimple Kapadia receives Padma Bhushan for Rajesh Khanna
- Dimple Kapadia inaugurated a fitness trail, named after Rajesh Khanna in Lajpat Nagar Nation Park in 2018.
Car Collection
- Chevrolet Impala convertible
Net Worth
His net worth was reported as Rs. 100 crore (as of 2009).
Death
Rajesh Khanna passed away on 18 July 2012. He was diagnosed with cancer and according to his co-star, Mumtaz, he had gone through chemotherapy in the prior year. More than 9 lakh fans attended his funeral who had come from various parts of India and abroad.
Favourites
- Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Facts/Trivia
- From the year 1969 to 1983, Rajesh Khanna was the highest-paid actor in Indian cinema.
- He was known for setting new fashion trends including bell-bottom trousers, guru kurtas, belts over shirts, etc.
- Since childhood, he was called ‘Kaka’, a term of endearment for a small child in the Punjabi language, by his parents and later, even by his wife and fans
- In total, he has starred in 74 Golden Jubilee hits and 48 Platinum Jubilee hits.
- His films would often feature the names of heroines before his own in the credits.
- He would occasionally indulge in smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.
- In 2013, he was ranked ninth among the “100 Greatest Bollywood Star” by a UK poll.
- He has appeared in a record total of 106 Hindi films as a lead solo hero.
- In 1965, Rajesh Khanna was the winner of the United Producers-Filmfare Talent Contest (also called as All India Talent Contest) which had over 10,000 contestants.
- His uncle, K.K. Talwar gave him his screen name, ‘Rajesh’, which means the King of kings.
- He has had a cameo in the Punjabi film, ‘Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun’ (1976), which was produced and directed by Dara Singh.
- In his biography, ‘Rajesh Khanna, The Untold Story Of India’s First Superstar’ by Yasser Usmani, it is noted that his last words before his death were, “Time up ho gaya… pack up!” (Time is up, pack up!).
- During his “chautha” (fourth day after the last rites), his pre-recorded message was played wherein he thanked his fans and described how he became a superstar.
- During the height of his fame, he would receive letters from girls written in blood.
- BBC made a documentary on him, titled “Bombay Superstar” in 1973.
Categories: Biography
Source: HIS Education