Rajesh Khanna was more than just an actor; he was a cultural seismic shift in Indian cinema. Often referred to as “The Phenomenon,” he defined an era of romance and emotion that remains unparalleled in Bollywood history.
Prime Post tributes Superstar Rajesh Khanna on his birthday
Born Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, he was adopted and raised by Chunni Lal Khanna and Leelavati Khanna in Mumbai. His passion for the arts began early; while studying at St. Sebastian’s Goan High School and later K. C. College, his heart was always in theatre. His breakthrough came in 1965 when he outperformed over 10,000 contestants to win the All India United Producers Talent Contest. This victory paved his way into the film industry, debuting in Chetan Anand’s Aakhri Khat (1966), which notably became India’s official entry to the Oscars.
The Rise of a Legend (1969–1971)
While Bollywood had seen stars before, Rajesh Khanna was the first to be crowned a Superstar. Between 1969 and 1971, he achieved a feat that remains an unbeaten record in Indian cinema with 15 consecutive solo hit films. Key Blockbusters Included Aradhana (1969), the film that cemented his stardom, Anand (1971), widely considered one of the greatest performances in Indian cinema, Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), a massive commercial success, Amar Prem (1972) and Kati Patang (1970). He was defined his “King of Romance” persona.
The “Khanna Mania”
The devotion of his fans reached a level of hysteria never seen before. Women reportedly wrote him letters in blood, kissed his white car until it turned red with lipstick, and some even “married” his photographs. His signature style—the slight tilt of the head, the crinkling eyes, and soft dialogue delivery—became a national obsession. The Kishore-Rajesh Synergy was a vital component of his success was his collaboration with playback singer Kishore Kumar. Kishore’s voice seemed to mirror Khanna’s soul, creating a musical legacy of hits that are still celebrated today.
Awards and Recognition- Personal Life and Politics
Khanna’s talent was backed by critical acclaim. He won the Filmfare Best Actor Award three times for the films Safar (1970), Anand (1971) and Avishkar (1974). In 2013, he was posthumously honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. In 1973, at the height of his fame, he married actress Dimple Kapadia. They had two daughters: Twinkle Khanna (an author and former actress married to superstar Akshay Kumar) and Rinke Khanna. Although the couple separated in the 1980s, they never officially divorced and remained close until his death.
Final Years and Legacy
In the 1990s, Khanna pivoted to public service. Joining the Indian National Congress, he served as a Member of Parliament for the New Delhi constituency from 1992 to 1996. As the mid-70s saw the rise of Amitabh Bachchan’s “Angry Young Man” persona, the era of the romantic superstar began to fade. Khanna transitioned into character roles and television in his later years. He passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69. Rajesh Khanna’s legacy is etched in the “Golden Age” of Bollywood music and romance. He didn’t just play a hero; he became an emotion for millions of Indians.
Principle Correspondent, Prime Post
Vidya Sagar Chaturvedula is a passionate film enthusiast whose four-decade career spans multiple sectors, including media and industry. Fluent in Telugu, Hindi, and English, he has a deep appreciation for cinema, particularly films in those three languages. His passion goes beyond simple viewing; he enjoys analyzing directional skill, the emotional depth of actors’ performances, and the profound meaning embedded in dialogue. Mr. Sagar is known for his ability to clearly articulate and narrate his insightful film analyses after watching a movie.
The Legendary Actor from Bollywood Mr Rajesh Khanna was an extraordinary human being and ruled once upon a time Hindi film industry. He showed the path to his successors. The every film he acted was super hit and made money to producers as well others. He was unbeatable star none other than Mr Khanna. Thank you for posting
He was charismatic. People in India and abroad were mad after his acting, dialogue delivery and his presence. The songs which Kishore Kumar sang for him are matching as if Rajesh Khanna is singing himself. And Music Directors like R. D. Burman, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Shankar Jaikishen, Usha Khanna and all music directors composed great hits for Super Star Rajesh Khanna. That was lovely time. Charm in life.
Good Review
Good review. Rajesh Khanna was superstar of his times. He acted in many good movies, few are like Anand, Amar Prem, Aradhana, Bawarchi, Haathi mere saathi many others. Kishore kumar and Rajesh Khanna are one of the most iconic duos. Kishore kumar voice had become soul for Rajesh Khanna s movies. Mere Sapnon ki rani , yeh shaam mastani are few songs which are timeless hits.
Iam genuinely surprised to read about “Khanna’s Mania” women kissing his white car and marrying his photos. This truly shows the charisma of Mr. Rajesh Khanna sir and the deep emotional connection people during his time have with Cinema.
I also got to know by reading this post, about the legend before Amitabh sir’s era.
These growth stories of Indian cenima teaches us that the talent, perseverance, reinvention, and the ability to connect with the people will be the foundation for long lasting success.
Very nicely written uncle.
The play boy of Indian movies
One of the best actor
Played serious comedy character roles with ease
All movies gave. Super collection box office hits
Dialogues are very good
In Total masiv actor.