Who is Rajesh Khannna?
Today let’s talk about Rajesh Khanna Biography: Rajesh Khanna was born in Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942 – July 18, 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer, and politician who is widely regarded as the first superstar of Hindi cinema. With his charismatic screen presence, romantic persona, and distinctive style, he created a phenomenon of stardom unprecedented in Indian cinema. From 1969 to 1976, he was the undisputed king of Bollywood, delivering an extraordinary string of consecutive hits that has never been replicated. His legacy includes over 100 blockbusters and a cultural impact that transformed how stardom functioned in Indian entertainment.
Rajesh Khanna Early Life and Family Background
Birth and Origins
Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, India. His family had roots in Pakistan before the Partition of India, believed to be from Burewala in Punjab (now in Pakistan). The traumatic events of Partition in 1947 displaced millions, and his family was among those affected by this historic upheaval.
Adoption and Childhood
Jatin was adopted by relatives, Chunnilal Khanna and Lilavati Khanna—and was raised in Mumbai (then Bombay). The circumstances of his adoption remain somewhat private, but his adoptive parents provided him with a stable upbringing that would shape his future.
Education
He attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School in Mumbai and later studied at K.C. College. His education in Mumbai’s cosmopolitan environment exposed him to diverse cultural influences and the burgeoning film industry that would later become his destiny.
Rajesh Khanna Entry into Films
Discovery and Debut
Rajesh Khanna made his acting debut in 1966 with “Aakhri Khat” (The Last Letter), directed by Chetan Anand. Remarkably, this film was India’s first official entry to the Academy Awards in 1967, giving Khanna’s debut international recognition. His natural acting ability and screen presence were evident from the start.
Early Struggle and Breakthrough
His second film “Raaz” (1967) followed, but true stardom came with “Aradhana” (1969), directed by Shakti Samanta. This musical romantic drama, featuring the unforgettable songs by S.D. Burman, made Rajesh Khanna a household name overnight. His portrayal of a tragic lover who dies and his son in the same film showcased his versatility and emotional range.
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The Superstar Era (1969-1976) and
Unprecedented Success
From 1969 to 1976, Rajesh Khanna was the sole Superstar of Indian and Hindi Cinema. During this golden period, he delivered an astonishing streak of consecutive hit films that remains unmatched in Bollywood history. His success rate was phenomenal—film after film became a blockbuster, creating hysteria among audiences, particularly female fans.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Rajesh Khanna achieved over 100 blockbusters during his career:
- 48 Platinum Jubilee hits
- 27 Golden Jubilee hits
- 26 Silver Jubilee hits
This extraordinary record demonstrates sustained excellence and audience appeal over an extended period—a feat no other actor has matched.
Iconic Films
His filmography during this era includes legendary films such as:
- “Aradhana” (1969)
- “Do Raaste” (1969)
- “Kati Patang” (1970)
- “Sachaa Jhutha” (1970)
- “Anand” (1971) – His most critically acclaimed performance
- “Amar Prem” (1972)
- “Bawarchi” (1972)
- “Namak Haraam” (1973)
- “Roti” (1974)
- “Prem Nagar” (1974)
Each film solidified his position as the undisputed king of Bollywood, with audiences flocking to theaters simply because his name was attached to the project.
Rajesh Khanna Personal Life
Marriage to Dimple Kapadia
In March 1973, at the height of his career, Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia, a rising actress 15 years his junior. She had just gained fame with her debut film “Bobby” (1973). Their marriage was one of Bollywood’s most talked-about unions, bringing together two major stars.
Rajesh Khannna Children
The couple had two daughters:
- Twinkle Khanna (born 1974) – who became an actress and later a successful author and interior designer
- Rinke Khanna (born 1977) – who also pursued acting
Marital Troubles and Separation
Despite the glamorous facade, the marriage faced challenges. The couple separated in 1984, though they never officially divorced. Dimple and the children continued to maintain a relationship with Khanna, and in his final years, the family reconciled.
Rajesh Khanna Career Decline and Later Years
The Decline
By the late 1970s, Khanna’s dominance began to wane. The emergence of Amitabh Bachchan and the “angry young man” genre shifted audience preferences. Khanna’s romantic hero image seemed less relevant to audiences facing economic hardship and seeking different kinds of cinematic heroes.
Continued Work
Despite declining stardom, Khanna continued acting in films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, though with less commercial success. He also ventured into film production and took on character roles.
Television
In the 2000s, he appeared in television serials, adapting to changing media landscapes and connecting with new generations of viewers.
Rajesh Khanna Political Career
Entry into Politics
Rajesh Khanna was elected as a Member of Parliament in the 10th Lok Sabha, representing the Congress Party. His celebrity status helped him win the New Delhi constituency, demonstrating his enduring popularity and public goodwill.
Parliamentary Service
While his parliamentary career was less prominent than his film career, it represented his desire to serve the public in a different capacity and use his influence for civic purposes.
Rajesh Khanna Awards and Recognition
Filmfare Awards
Throughout his career, Khanna received multiple Filmfare Awards and nominations, recognition from the industry’s most prestigious awards body.
Lifetime Achievement
In 2005, he was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his immense contribution to Hindi cinema and his role in shaping the industry.
Rajesh Khanna Final Years and Death
Illness
Rajesh Khanna fell sick in 2011, and reports suggested he was battling cancer. He made fewer public appearances and was visibly frail during his last months.
Death
After battling prolonged illness, Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, at his residence “Aashirwad” in Mumbai. He was 69 years old. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and admirers across India and the world.
Funeral
His funeral was attended by thousands of fans and virtually the entire Bollywood fraternity, demonstrating the lasting impact he had on Indian cinema and popular culture.
Rajesh Khanna Legacy
Cultural Icon
Rajesh Khanna remains a cultural icon representing Bollywood’s romantic era. His style—from his distinctive kurta-wearing to his head-tilting mannerism—became part of popular culture. Songs from his films continue to be beloved classics.
Influence on Stardom
He defined what it meant to be a “superstar” in Bollywood, setting the template for the cult of celebrity that followed. The fan frenzy he inspired, women writing letters in blood, mass hysteria at public appearances—was unprecedented and changed how actors were perceived in Indian society.
Enduring Appeal
Even decades after his peak, Rajesh Khanna’s films continue to be watched and his songs played, testament to the timeless quality of his work and the emotional connection he forged with audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Rajesh Khanna born?
Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, India. His family had roots in Pakistan before Partition, believed to be from Burewala in Punjab. He was adopted by relatives Chunnilal Khanna and Lilavati and was raised in Mumbai, where he attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School and later K.C. College.
What made Rajesh Khanna the first superstar of Indian cinema?
From 1969 to 1976, Rajesh Khanna was the sole Superstar of Indian and Hindi Cinema, delivering an unprecedented string of consecutive hit films. He achieved over 100 blockbusters including 48 Platinum Jubilee hits, 27 Golden Jubilee hits, and 26 Silver Jubilee hits. His romantic screen persona, charismatic presence, and the mass hysteria he inspired among fans, particularly women, created a phenomenon of stardom never seen before in Indian cinema.
What was Rajesh Khanna’s debut film?
Rajesh Khanna made his acting debut in 1966 with “Aakhri Khat” (The Last Letter), directed by Chetan Anand. This film was notably India’s first official entry to the Academy Awards in 1967. However, his breakthrough to superstardom came with “Aradhana” (1969), which made him a household name across India.
Who did Rajesh Khanna marry and what happened to the marriage?
In March 1973, Rajesh Khanna married actress Dimple Kapadia, who was 15 years younger and had just debuted in “Bobby” (1973). They had two daughters—Twinkle Khanna (born 1974) and Rinke Khanna (born 1977). The marriage faced troubles, and the couple separated in 1984, though they never officially divorced. The family reconciled in his final years.
When and how did Rajesh Khanna die?
Rajesh Khanna fell sick in 2011 and battled prolonged illness, reported to be cancer. He passed away on July 18, 2012, at his residence “Aashirwad” in Mumbai at age 69. His death prompted an outpouring of grief, and his funeral was attended by thousands of fans and the Bollywood fraternity, demonstrating his lasting impact on Indian cinema.
Conclusion
Rajesh Khanna’s journey from Jatin Khanna of Amritsar to becoming India’s first superstar represents one of Bollywood’s most remarkable success stories. His seven-year reign as the undisputed king of Hindi cinema (1969-1976) created a template for stardom that influenced generations of actors who followed.
More than just an actor, Rajesh Khanna was a cultural phenomenon who changed how Indians related to film stars. The unprecedented adulation he received, the records he set, and the emotional connection he forged with audiences transformed Bollywood from an industry into a dream factory where stars became demigods.
Though his career declined and personal life faced challenges, his legacy as India’s first superstar remains undiminished. His films continue to entertain, his songs continue to be sung, and his contribution to Indian cinema continues to be celebrated. Rajesh Khanna proved that a boy from Punjab, adopted and raised in Mumbai, could rise to become the most beloved star in the nation—a true “phenomenon” called Rajesh Khanna.