The Legendary Life of Rajesh Khanna: Bollywood’s First Superstar | Rajesh Khana Biography

 

Rajesh Khanna, often referred to as the “First Superstar of Indian Cinema,” was an icon whose charm, romantic expressions, and unforgettable performances left a lasting impact on Bollywood. His life story is as fascinating as his on-screen journey, filled with cinematic highs, personal struggles, and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Background

Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, India. However, his family had deep roots in Pakistan before the Partition, with many fans curious about the Rajesh Khanna city in Pakistan,believed to be Burewala in Punjab. He was adopted by relatives and raised in Mumbai. Talking about his origins, Rajesh Khanna parents were Lala Hiranand Khanna and Chandrani Khanna, and they supported his ambition from a young age. Lala Hirnand was a school head master in Burewala Pakistan.

Alongside his friend Ravi Kapoor, who subsequently used the stage name Jeetendra, he attended St. Sebastian's Goan High School.  Over time, Khanna developed a passion in theater, performed in numerous plays during his time in school and college, and took home numerous awards from intercollegiate drama contests. 

Career and Stardom

Khanna's portrayal of a wounded mute soldier in the 1962 drama Andha Yug captivated the chief guest, who recommended that he immediately pursue a career in movies. In the early 1960s, Khanna, who had his own MG sports vehicle and was a rare newcomer, had trouble finding work in theater and movies.

From 1959 to 1961, Khanna completed his first two years of a Bachelor of Arts at Pune's Nowrosjee Wadia College. Jeetendra attended Siddharth Jain College, while he later attended Kishinchand Chellaram College in Mumbai. Jeetendra received tutoring from Khanna for his first movie audition. When Khanna made the decision to pursue a career in film, his uncle, KK Talwar, changed his first name to Rajesh. He was referred to as Kaka by his wife and friends. 

Rajesh Khanna’s rise to stardom began in the late 1960s, and he quickly became a household name with a string of superhits. His filmography includes classics like Aradhana, Anand, Amar Prem, and Kati Patang. With over 160 films to his name, Rajesh Khanna movies still enjoy cult status. Equally popular were Rajesh Khanna songs, often featuring his charismatic expressions and iconic romantic style.

His unique style and emotional depth in acting won him a massive fan following, especially among women. From 1969 to 1971, he delivered 15 consecutive solo hit films — a record that remains unbeaten.

 

Personal Life, Family, and Children

Rajesh Khanna’s personal life was just as talked about as his films. He married actress Dimple Kapadia in 1973. Rajesh Khanna wife, Dimple, was only 16 at the time, and their marriage was the talk of the nation. They had two daughters, Rajesh Khanna daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna, both of whom also worked in the film industry. 

Twinkle Khanna later married Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, making Akshay Rajesh Khanna son-in-law. Though Rajesh and Dimple separated later in life, they never officially divorced. He did not have a biological Rajesh Khanna son, but Akshay Kumar played a significant role in his final years.

 

Affairs and Scandals

Being a heartthrob of his era, Rajesh Khanna’s love life made headlines frequently. His rumored relationships with actresses like Anju Mahendru, Tina Munim, and others were widely discussed. These Rajesh Khanna affairs and Rajesh Khanna girlfriends added to his enigmatic public image. His long-standing relationship with Anju Mahendru was especially famous, but it ended just before he married Dimple.

Though largely scandal-free in terms of professional controversies, his strained relationships and high-profile personal life were often under media scrutiny.

Rajesh Khanna and Female Fan Following

Rajesh Khanna, often hailed as the first superstar of Indian cinema, enjoyed unparalleled popularity among female fans during the 1970s and 1980s. His charming smile, expressive eyes, and romantic screen presence made him a heartthrob across India. Women were especially enamored by his emotional roles and soulful Rajesh Khanna songs, which added to his romantic image. During the peak of his career, girls would line up outside his home, write him letters in blood, and even kiss his car, leaving lipstick marks — a testament to his massive fan following. The craze around him wasn't just about his movies; it was a cultural phenomenon. Rajesh Khanna popularity in girls was so intense that no Bollywood star since has witnessed that level of hysteria. His unmatched appeal, especially among young women, cemented his legacy as the true "King of Romance" in Indian cinema. 

Later Years and Death

In his later years, Rajesh Khanna stayed away from the limelight, occasionally appearing in TV shows and commercials. His health began to decline in the early 2010s. He passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69. At the time of his death, fans from across the world paid tribute to the man who had redefined stardom.

Khanna's health was said to have been declining for a while in June 2012. Due to health issues, he was hospitalized to Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital on June 23. He was said to be doing well when he was released from the hospital on July 8.

Khanna was readmitted to Lilavati Hospital on July 14 and released on July 16.  He passed away at his Mumbai house, Aashirwad, on July 18, 2012. According to sources, he was diagnosed with cancer in July 2011 and his health had been declining ever since. Mumtaz, his co-star, said after his death that he had received chemotherapy and had been battling cancer for the past year. His funeral was held at 11:00 on July 19. 

Nine lakh people attended his burial, and his admirers traveled from Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and other nations. Fans gathered for the procession from his Bandra home to the crematorium, and police had to use a lathi-charge to keep them under control. He died in the presence of his wife Dimple Kapadia, daughters Rinke Khanna and Twinkle Khanna, son-in-law Akshay Kumar, grandchildren, Anju Mahendru and other close relatives. With the help of Akshay Kumar, his grandson Aarav lighted his pyre.

Many fans also express interest in Rajesh Khanna age at various career milestones and his physical traits, such as Rajesh Khanna height, which was around 5 feet 9 inches. His iconic bungalow, Aashirwad, on Carter Road in Mumbai, was also widely covered in media. The estimated Rajesh Khanna home price at the time of his death was reportedly over ₹90 crore, reflecting his legendary status.

Legacy

Rajesh Khanna’s influence on Indian cinema is immeasurable. He was more than just a movie star — he was a phenomenon. Even today, decades after his prime, people search for his films, recall his melodies, and talk about his magnetic screen presence.

Whether it's his incredible film journey, his romantic hit songs, his intriguing personal life, or his unforgettable dialogues, Rajesh Khanna remains a timeless legend.

List of Rajesh Khanna Movies 

Here are Top Hit Movies of Rajesh Khanna.

1. Aradhana (1969)

2. Anand (1971)

3. Amar Prem (1972)

4. Kati Patang (1971)

5. Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)

6. Bawarchi (1972)

7. Aap Ki Kasam (1974)

8. Roti (1974)

9. Daag: A Poem of Love (1973)

10. Safar (1970)

11. The Train (1970)

12. Ittefaq (1969)

13. Avishkaar (1974)

14. Choti Bahu (1971)

15. Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972)

16. Dushman (1972)

17. Prem Nagar (1974)

18. Mehboob Ki Mehndi (1971)

19. Ajnabee (1974)

20. Thodisi Bewafaii (1980)

21. Red Rose (1980)

22. Rajput (1982)

23. Agar Tum Na Hote (1983)

24. Aurat (1967)

25. Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)

26. Khamoshi (1969)

27. Namak Haraam (1973)

28. Souten (1983)

29. Alag Alag (1985)

30. Oonche Log (1985)

    This list includes a mix of his romantic dramas, family-centric stories, and socially themed movies — many of which are still celebrated for their music and emotional depth.
    

Top 25 Hit Songs of Rajesh Khanna

1. Mere Sapno Ki Rani – Aradhana (1969)

2. Roop Tera Mastana – Aradhana (1969)

3. Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli – Anand (1971)

4. Yeh Shaam Mastani – Kati Patang (1971)

5. Kuch Toh Log Kahenge – Amar Prem (1972)

6. Chingari Koi Bhadke – Amar Prem (1972)

7. Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein – Ajanabee (1974)

8. O Mere Dil Ke Chain – Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972)

9. Jai Jai Shiv Shankar – Aap Ki Kasam (1974)

10. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana – Andaz (1971)

11. Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai – Kati Patang (1971)

12. Dilbar Jani Chali Hawa Mastani – Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)

13. Karvatein Badalte Rahe – Aap Ki Kasam (1974)

14. Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera – Aradhana (1969)

15. Gore Rang Pe Na Itna Guman Kar – Roti (1974)

16. Waada Tera Waada – Dushman (1972)

17. Rimjhim Gire Saawan – Anand (1971)

18. Diye Jalte Hain – Namak Haraam (1973)

19. Hum Dono Do Premi – Ajnabee (1974)

20. Aate Jaate Khoobsurat – Anurodh (1977)

21. Jab Dard Nahin Tha Seene Mein – Anurodh (1977)

22. Babul Ka Yeh Ghar – Daag (1973)

23. Sheesha Ho Ya Dil Ho – Asha Jyoti (1984)

24. Shayad Meri Shaadi Ka Khayal – Souten (1983)

25. Bhool Gaye Sab Kuch – Apna Desh (1972)

These songs, many sung by Kishore Kumar and composed by legendary music directors like R.D. Burman and Laxmikant–Pyarelal, played a key role in Rajesh Khanna's massive success and enduring charm.

 

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