Introduction:
Rajesh Khanna, popularly known as the "First Superstar of Indian Cinema," was a legendary actor, film producer, and politician. He was born on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, India, and passed away on July 18, 2012, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Rajesh Khanna was one of the most successful and influential actors in the Indian film industry, with a career spanning over four decades. He acted in more than 150 films and won numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performances.
Early Life and Education:
Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Khanna to Lala Hiranand Khanna and Chandrani Khanna in Amritsar, Punjab. His father was a wealthy businessman who dealt in textiles, and his mother was a homemaker. Rajesh Khanna had three siblings, two brothers, and a sister.
Khanna completed his schooling from St. Sebastian's Goan High School in Girgaum, Mumbai. After completing his schooling, he enrolled in KC College, Mumbai, to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, he dropped out of college after the first year to pursue a career in acting.
Career in Acting:
Rajesh Khanna started his acting career in 1966 with the film "Aakhri Khat," directed by Chetan Anand. The film was critically acclaimed, but it did not do well at the box office. However, his second film "Raaz," directed by Ravindra Dave, became a huge hit, and Khanna's performance was widely appreciated.
In 1969, Rajesh Khanna starred in the film "Aradhana," directed by Shakti Samanta, which became a massive success and established him as a superstar in the Indian film industry. The film's songs, composed by Sachin Dev Burman, became extremely popular, and Khanna's romantic persona captured the hearts of millions of fans. He went on to act in several other successful films like "Haathi Mere Saathi," "Anand," "Bawarchi," "Amar Prem," "Namak Haraam," "Safar," and "Avishkaar."
Rajesh Khanna's success was not just limited to commercial films; he also acted in several critically acclaimed and socially relevant films like "Safar," "Avishkaar," "Anand," and "Namak Haraam." He was known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to portray complex characters with ease.
In 1973, Rajesh Khanna starred in the film "Namak Haraam," directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, alongside Amitabh Bachchan. The film was a critical and commercial success, and the chemistry between Khanna and Bachchan was widely appreciated. However, after the success of the film, Rajesh Khanna's career started to decline, and he began to lose his superstardom.
In the late 1970s, Rajesh Khanna's career suffered a setback as he started to deliver a series of flops. He continued to act in films, but he was no longer the superstar he once was. However, he made a comeback in the 1980s with films like "Agar Tum Na Hote," "Souten," and "Avishkaar."
Apart from acting, Rajesh Khanna also produced and directed films. He produced films like "Choti Bahu," "Mere Jeevan Saathi," and "Naukri." He also directed and acted in the film "Phir Wohi Raat" in 1980.
Personal Life:
Rajesh Khanna was known for his good looks, charm, and romantic persona, and he was a heartthrob for millions of fans. He had a huge female fan following, and his marriage to Dimple Kapadia, one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her time, made headlines.
Rajesh Khanna met Dimple Kapadia when she was just 16 years old and was still in school. They fell in love, and despite the opposition from Dimple's family, they got married in March 1973. They had two daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinkie Khanna.
However, their marriage was not a happy one, and they had several ups and downs. Rajesh Khanna was known to be temperamental and possessive, and he did not take kindly to Dimple's decision to continue her acting career after their marriage. Their marriage was strained, and they separated in 1984, but they never got a divorce. Despite their differences, they remained on good terms and were often seen together at family events.
Rajesh Khanna was also known for his love for cars and had a vast collection of luxury cars. He was also a lover of music and had a great collection of records.
Political Career:
In 1991, Rajesh Khanna joined the Indian National Congress party and contested the Lok Sabha elections from the New Delhi constituency. He won the elections by a huge margin and became a Member of Parliament. He continued to represent the New Delhi constituency in the Lok Sabha for the next five years.
However, his political career was marred by controversies, and he was criticized for his absence from Parliament and his lack of interest in politics. In 1996, he contested the Lok Sabha elections again but lost to the BJP candidate.
Later Years and Death:
Rajesh Khanna continued to act in films in the 1990s and 2000s, but he was no longer the superstar he once was. He acted in films like "Jurm," "Aa Ab Laut Chalen," "Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa," and "Riyasat."
In 2012, Rajesh Khanna's health started deteriorating, and he was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai. He was suffering from a kidney ailment and had other health complications. Despite the efforts of the doctors, his condition worsened, and he passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69.
His death was a huge loss for the Indian film industry and his fans. The entire nation mourned his loss, and his funeral was attended by thousands of fans, friends, and family members.
Legacy:
Rajesh Khanna's legacy as the "First Superstar of Indian Cinema" remains unmatched. He was one of the most successful and influential actors in the Indian film industry, with a career spanning over four decades. He acted in more than 150 films and won numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performances.
His romantic persona, good looks, and charming personality made him a heartthrob for millions of fans. He was known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to portray complex characters with ease. He was also a trendsetter in fashion and style and was known for his unique sense of fashion.
Rajesh Khanna's contribution to Indian cinema will always be remembered and celebrated. He was a true legend and an inspiration to many aspiring actors. His films continue to be watched and loved by millions of fans even today, and his legacy as the "First Superstar of Indian Cinema" remains unchallenged.
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