Rajesh Khanna was not just an actor; he was a phenomenon that Indian cinema had never seen before and perhaps will never see again. Born Jatin Khanna in Amritsar, he was adopted by wealthy relatives and arrived in Mumbai driving an MG sports car, determined to conquer Bollywood. Between 1969 and 1971, he delivered 15 consecutive solo hit films—a record that remains unbroken to this day. He was the "First Superstar" of Hindi cinema, a man for whom women married photographs and producers lined up with blank cheques. This article traces his journey from the dizzying heights of superstardom to his quiet, dignified twilight, exploring the magic of the man affectionately known as "Kaka."| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Jatin Khanna (Screen Name: Rajesh Khanna) |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 1942 |
| Date of Death | July 18, 2012 |
| Birthplace | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Spouse | Dimple Kapadia (m. 1973) |
| Children | Twinkle Khanna, Rinke Khanna |
| Key Awards | 3 Filmfare Best Actor Awards, Padma Bhushan (Posthumous), Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award |
| Famous Roles | Aradhana, Anand, Amar Prem, Kati Patang, Bawarchi |
| Political Career | Member of Parliament (New Delhi, 1992–1996) |
The Adopted Son with a Silver Spoon
The Rajesh Khanna biography is distinct from the typical “rags to riches” Bollywood story. Born as Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, he was adopted and raised by his biological father’s relatives, Chunni Lal and Leelawati Khanna, who were wealthy railway contractors. He grew up in luxury in Girgaon, Mumbai.
Unlike many struggling actors who slept on pavements, Rajesh Khanna drove to auditions in his own MG sports car. However, his struggle was internal. His father disapproved of his acting ambitions, leading to a compromise: Jatin had a few years to make it big, or he would have to join the family business. He took up the challenge, changing his name to Rajesh and entering the United Producers’ Talent Contest in 1965. He won the contest, beating over 10,000 candidates, paving the way for his debut in Aakhri Khat (1966).
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1969–1971: The Era of 15 Consecutive Hits
History was written in 1969 with the release of Aradhana. The song “Mere Sapno Ki Rani,” featuring a charming Rajesh Khanna in a jeep serenading Sharmila Tagore on a train, became an instant anthem. Overnight, the actor became a sensation.
What followed is a statistical miracle in cinema history. From 1969 to 1971, Rajesh Khanna delivered 15 consecutive solo hit films, a record that remains undefeated. Films like Do Raaste, Bandhan, Safar, Kati Patang, and Haathi Mere Saathi didn’t just earn money; they created mass hysteria.
Critics coined the term “Superstar” specifically for him. The frenzy was real—female fans would kiss his car, covering it in lipstick marks; others sent him letters written in their own blood. He made the “Guru Kurta” a fashion statement and his signature nod—a tilt of the head accompanied by a blink—became the most imitated gesture in the country.
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The Tragic Hero: Anand and Amar Prem
While he was the king of romance, the Rajesh Khanna career is best defined by his tragic roles. In Anand (1971), he played a man dying of lymphosarcoma who decides to live his final days spreading joy. His performance was so profound that audiences wept openly in theatres. The dialogue, “Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi” (Life should be big, not long), became a philosophy for millions.
In Amar Prem (1972), he played a lonely businessman finding solace in the company of a courtesan. His understated performance, devoid of melodrama, showcased his depth as an actor. He wasn’t just a star who danced around trees; he was an artist who could convey a lifetime of pain with a simple smile.
The Fall and The Angry Young Man
The rise of the “Angry Young Man,” Amitabh Bachchan, in the mid-70s marked the decline of Rajesh Khanna’s romantic era. The audience’s taste shifted from soft romance to gritty action. Films like Zanjeer and Deewaar took over the box office, and the “Superstar” slowly saw his throne slipping away.
However, Khanna didn’t vanish. He reinvented himself with character-driven roles in films like Avtaar, Souten, and Amrit in the 1980s. These films proved that while his stardom might have dimmed, his acting prowess was intact. He later transitioned into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the New Delhi constituency from 1992 to 1996, defeating fellow actor Shatrughan Sinha.
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A Love Life Under the Spotlight
Rajesh Khanna’s personal life was as dramatic as his movies. For years, he was in a live-in relationship with fashion designer and actress Anju Mahendru. Their breakup was bitter, and in a move that shocked the industry, he married the 16-year-old sensation Dimple Kapadia in 1973, just months before her debut film Bobby released.
The marriage was tumultuous. The massive age gap and Khanna’s fading stardom created cracks in their relationship. Dimple eventually left his home, “Aashirwad,” in 1982 with their two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke. Despite living separately for decades, they never officially divorced. In his final years, Dimple returned to his side, caring for him until his last breath, proving that their bond transcended legal definitions.
The Final Curtain Call
In his later years, Rajesh Khanna lived a reclusive life. His health deteriorated due to cancer, and on July 18, 2012, the Superstar breathed his last at his bungalow, Aashirwad. His funeral procession was attended by 9 lakh people, a testament to the fact that while stars may fade, a superstar shines forever. His last recorded message to his fans was, “Time has come. Pack up.”
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Quick Comparison: The Romantic vs. The Tragic Hero
| Feature | The Romantic Hero (e.g., Aradhana, Kati Patang) | The Tragic Hero (e.g., Anand, Safar) |
| Key Trait | Charming, Playful, Musical | Philosophical, Melancholic, Selfless |
| Signature Style | Head tilt, Guru Kurta, Serenading | Deep voice, Expressive eyes, Shawls |
| Audience Reaction | Mass Hysteria, Female Adoration | Tears, Critical Acclaim, Respect |
| Musical Tone | Upbeat (Kishore Kumar classics) | Soulful, Classical (Mukesh/Manna Dey) |
| Ending | Happy Union | Tragic Death or Separation |
Curious Indian: Fast Facts
- The Unbroken Record: Rajesh Khanna holds the record for the most consecutive solo hit films (15) between 1969 and 1971.
- The Munim: Before becoming an actor, he was referred to as the “Adha-Hero” (Half Hero) by his friends because he was rich but unproven.
- The Bungalow: His iconic bungalow, Aashirwad, on Carter Road was bought from actor Rajendra Kumar. It was considered “haunted” by some but brought massive luck to Khanna.
- The Discovery: He was one of the few actors discovered through a talent hunt (United Producers’ Contest), not through nepotism.
- The Last Ad: His final on-screen appearance was in a Havells fan commercial where he poignantly said, “Fans hamesha mere rahenge” (Fans will always be mine).
Conclusion
Rajesh Khanna was the bridge between the innocence of the 60s and the anger of the 70s. He taught an entire generation how to love, how to smile through tears, and how to wear a kurta with swag. His legacy is not just the 15 hits; it is the feeling he evoked. When he smiled on screen, India smiled with him. As the sun set on the “First Superstar,” he left behind a golden era of melody and magic that no box office number can ever quantify.
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If you think you have remembered everything about this topic take this QUIZ
Results
#1. What was Rajesh Khanna’s birth name before he changed it for the screen?
#2. Rajesh Khanna holds the unbroken record for delivering 15 consecutive solo hit films during which period?
#3. Which film marked Rajesh Khanna’s acting debut after he won the United Producers’ Talent Contest?
#4. In which film did Rajesh Khanna deliver the famous philosophy, “Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi”?
#5. Rajesh Khanna served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from 1992 to 1996 for which constituency?
#6. What was the name of Rajesh Khanna’s iconic bungalow on Carter Road in Mumbai?
#7. In 1973, Rajesh Khanna married which actress just months before her debut film Bobby was released?
#8. In his final on-screen appearance for a commercial, Rajesh Khanna said “Fans hamesha mere rahenge” for which brand?
Who was the first Superstar of Indian cinema?
Rajesh Khanna is officially recognized as the “First Superstar” of Indian cinema, a title coined by critics in the early 1970s due to his unprecedented fan following and 15 consecutive solo hits.
Who was Rajesh Khanna’s wife?
Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia in March 1973. Although they separated in 1982, they remained married until his death in 2012.
What is the record of Rajesh Khanna?
He holds the record for delivering 15 consecutive solo hit films from 1969 to 1971, a feat that has not been broken by any other Bollywood actor since.
Did Rajesh Khanna enter politics?
Yes, he was a member of the Indian National Congress and served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the New Delhi constituency from 1992 to 1996.
Which was Rajesh Khanna’s last film?
His last major lead role was in Riyasat (released posthumously in 2014), but his final appearance was in the famous Havells fan commercial in 2012.
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