Mumbai, Sep.04,2025: Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna on 29 December 1942 in Amritsar, Punjab. His childhood was not luxurious
Rajesh Khanna Biography and Legacy
Rajesh Khanna Biography is not just about an actor; it is about the phenomenon that defined an entire era of Indian cinema. Popularly called Kaka, Rajesh Khanna was the first actor to be labeled as the “Superstar of Bollywood”, a title that no one before him had ever achieved. His life was a mix of unparalleled stardom, fan frenzy, personal struggles, and emotional battles that remain unmatched in the history of Indian cinema.
Early Life of Rajesh Khanna
Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna on 29 December 1942 in Amritsar, Punjab. His childhood was not luxurious. After the partition of India in 1947, his family struggled financially.
His parents, Lala Hiranand Khanna and Chandrani Khanna, were unable to provide him with a stable upbringing due to poverty. Eventually, they gave him up for adoption to relatives Chunni Lal Khanna and Leelawati, who raised him in Mumbai.
Adoption and Struggles of Childhood
Though adopted, young Jatin always had a deep passion for acting. From school plays to college theatre, he showcased a natural flair for performance. He won multiple awards for stage performances and became a familiar face in cultural events.
His uncle suggested changing his name from Jatin to Rajesh Khanna, a name that would later become immortal.
The Beginning of Stardom
Rajesh Khanna’s big break came when he won the All India Talent Contest organized by United Producers in the mid-1960s. Beating 10,000 contestants, he secured roles in films like Aakhri Khat (1966) and Raaz (1967).
While Aakhri Khat was India’s official entry to the Oscars in 1967, real fame arrived with Aradhana (1969).
Rajesh Khanna Biography and Career Milestones
From 1969 to 1971, Rajesh Khanna delivered 17 consecutive hit films, a record that still stands unbroken. Movies like Aradhana, Do Raaste, Anand, Amar Prem, Haathi Mere Saathi, and Kati Patang became milestones in Hindi cinema.
This record earned him the tag of “Bollywood’s first superstar”, placing him above contemporaries like Dev Anand, Dharmendra, and later even Amitabh Bachchan.
Consecutive Hits – An Unbreakable Record
No other actor in Bollywood, not even Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, or Amitabh Bachchan, has ever matched this streak. According to film historians, the hysteria around Rajesh Khanna was “God-like.”
Fans would line up outside his bungalow, Aashirwad, just to catch a glimpse. Some wrote letters in blood; others kissed his car when he passed by.
The Fan Craze That Defined an Era
In the 1970s, his popularity was such that shooting locations had to be sealed off to prevent chaos.
- During Amar Prem’s shoot in Kolkata, police stopped filming near Howrah Bridge fearing it might collapse under the weight of the crowd.
- Women reportedly married his photographs, applied sindoor, and sent him love letters soaked in tears.
Such madness has never been seen again in Indian cinema.
Rajesh Khanna Biography- Love Life and Marriage with Dimple Kapadia
Rajesh Khanna shocked the nation in 1973 by marrying Dimple Kapadia, who was just 16 years old at the time. Their wedding became a media sensation.
The couple had two daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna. However, cracks appeared in their relationship within a decade, leading to a separation, though they never legally divorced.
Rajesh Khanna vs Amitabh Bachchan – Clash of Superstardom
By the late 1970s, a new star emerged — Amitabh Bachchan, the “Angry Young Man.”
Audiences shifted from Khanna’s romantic charm to Bachchan’s intense persona. The Rajesh Khanna vs Amitabh rivalry remains one of Bollywood’s most discussed chapters.
The Loneliness Behind the Stardom
Despite being loved by millions, Rajesh Khanna often felt lonely. Friends revealed that he would sit alone at Aashirwad, re-watching his old films.
He admitted in interviews that post his separation from Dimple, he built a wall around himself and even considered ending his life at one point.
When Rajesh Khanna Thought of Suicide
In a rare confession, he revealed that the phase after his career decline was so depressing that he contemplated suicide.
His statement shocked fans, showing the fragile side of a man once worshipped by millions.
Relationship with Kishore Kumar – A Musical Bond
Rajesh Khanna’s voice was synonymous with Kishore Kumar. The duo delivered over 100 hit songs together, including “Mere Sapno Ki Rani,” “Zindagi Ek Safar,” and “Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai.”
Kishore once said, “Rajesh Khanna breathes life into my songs.”
Iconic Films and Evergreen Songs
Some unforgettable classics include:
- Aradhana (1969)
- Anand (1971)
- Amar Prem (1972)
- Kati Patang (1971)
- Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)
These films remain evergreen, rewatched by new generations even today.
Rajesh Khanna Biography- Awards and Achievements
- Filmfare Awards for Best Actor – 3 times
- BFJA Awards for Best Actor – 4 times
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – 2005
- Elected as MP from New Delhi (1992–1996)
Political Career and Transition from Films
After his declining stardom, Rajesh Khanna entered politics with Congress. Though not as successful as his film career, he remained respected for his dedication.
Rajesh Khanna’s Health Decline and Final Days
In the last years of his life, Khanna battled cancer. He passed away on 18 July 2012, leaving millions mourning.
His funeral was attended by thousands of fans, with roads blocked as people bid farewell to India’s first superstar.
The Everlasting Legacy of India’s First Superstar
Even today, Rajesh Khanna’s aura is unmatched. Actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan openly acknowledge that he paved the way for superstardom in Bollywood.
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Lessons from Rajesh Khanna’s Life
- Stardom is temporary, but legacy is eternal.
- Personal happiness matters as much as professional success.
- A true superstar is remembered for generations.
Why Rajesh Khanna Biography Still Inspires
The Rajesh Khanna Biography is more than the story of a film star; it is the story of a man who touched millions of hearts yet struggled with loneliness. His rise, dominance, and fall show the unpredictability of fame.
Rajesh Khanna will forever remain Bollywood’s first and eternal superstar — a legend who redefined cinema, romance, and stardom in India.
