Mumbai: Today marks the birth anniversary of Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood’s first superstar. Born on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, Rajesh Khanna, whose real name was Jatin Khanna, is fondly remembered as ‘Kaka’ in the film industry. He left an indelible mark on Bollywood, delivering numerous hit films and earning a place in the hearts of millions.
Rajesh Khanna’s journey to stardom was nothing short of extraordinary. Between 1969 and 1971, he delivered 15 consecutive hit films, making him the most sought-after actor by directors and producers. His mere presence in a film was enough to ensure its success. Khanna wasn’t just an actor; he also made significant contributions as a director and producer. Here are some intriguing aspects of his illustrious career:
- Rajesh Khanna acted in a total of 180 films, including 163 feature films. He played leading roles in 128 movies, took on dual roles in 22 films, and appeared in 17 short and feature films. His streak of 15 consecutive hits from 1969 to 1971 earned him the title of Bollywood’s superstar.
- Khanna won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor three times and was nominated for the award 14 times. Additionally, he was honored with the Best Actor award by the Bengal Film Journalists’ Association four times and received 25 nominations for the same.
- Despite his professional success, Khanna was known for his tardiness on the sets of “Anand,” which often annoyed the film’s director, forcing Khanna to apologize.
- He was also known to tease Amitabh Bachchan for always arriving on set on time. In an interview, Khanna remarked, “Clerks arrive on time, but we are not clerks; we are artists.”
- Reflecting on the success of “Anand,” Khanna once said, “For the first time, I felt like I was sitting next to God. That’s when I realized what success truly meant.” He recalled the film’s premiere in Bangalore, where thousands of fans lined the streets for about 10 kilometers.
Rajesh Khanna’s personal life was equally eventful. From 1966 to 1972, he was in a relationship with fashion designer and actress Anju Mahendru. However, in March 1973, he married actress Dimple Kapadia. Interestingly, Rajesh Khanna and his daughter, Twinkle Khanna, share the same birthday, December 29.
Rajesh Khanna’s legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. His contributions to Indian cinema are remembered fondly, and his films remain popular with audiences worldwide. Today, as we celebrate his birth anniversary, we honor the man who truly was Bollywood’s first superstar.
