The Turning Point: Rajesh Khanna’s Recognition of Lost Stardom
Rajesh Khanna, often referred to as the “first superstar” of Indian cinema, starred in numerous blockbuster films during his career. Some of his super hits include:
- “Aradhana” (1969) – This film marked the beginning of Rajesh Khanna’s reign as the reigning superstar of Bollywood. His performance in a double role alongside Sharmila Tagore was widely praised.
- “Anand” (1971) – In this critically acclaimed film, Rajesh Khanna portrayed the character of Anand, a terminally ill patient with a zest for life. His chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan, who played the role of his doctor, was widely appreciated.
- “Kati Patang” (1971) – Directed by Shakti Samanta, this film featured Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh in lead roles. It was a commercial success and is remembered for its memorable songs.
- “Amar Prem” (1972) – Another collaboration with Shakti Samanta, this film showcased Rajesh Khanna’s versatility as an actor. His portrayal of a lonely man who finds solace in a woman played by Sharmila Tagore received critical acclaim.
- “Roti” (1974) – Directed by Manmohan Desai, this film featured Rajesh Khanna in a double role alongside Mumtaz. It was a commercial success and is remembered for its entertaining storyline.
Rajesh Khanna’s meteoric rise to stardom in the early 1970s, marked by an unprecedented streak of 15 consecutive hits, remains unparalleled in Indian cinema. However, as swiftly as he ascended, his downfall was equally abrupt, leaving him bewildered and grasping for answers as his films began to flop, one by one.
According to Salim Khan, of the legendary writing duo Salim-Javed, Rajesh Khanna’s reaction to his declining success was obvious. Instead of introspection, he chose to blame others, as he was convinced that there was a conspiracy going on against him. Khan observed, “He didn’t look within to evaluate what was going wrong and where.”
In his pursuit to maintain his status, Rajesh Khanna sought to establish an exclusive ‘camp’ in the film industry, where only select individuals would work with him. However, Salim-Javed’s refusal to comply with his demands further increased tensions. Khan noted, “His lack of ‘maturity’ had many around him feed him stories that led to his ‘isolation.'”
Indeed, Rajesh Khanna’s possessiveness and aversion to dissent alienated those around him. He mistook disagreement as opposition and swiftly turned against those who dared to challenge him. This behaviour, coupled with a tendency to believe unsubstantiated rumours, led to the erosion of relationships and the cultivation of enemies.
Reflecting on his own fame, Rajesh Khanna once likened himself to a deity, admitting to feeling “next to God” after attaining stardom. Yet, his inability to navigate the complexities of his declining career ultimately left him disillusioned and isolated.
Dimple Kapadia talked about how hard it was to see Rajesh Khanna’s fame fade away. She mentioned an interview from 1985 where she described how Rajesh used to wait anxiously for news about how his movies were doing at the box office. Their marriage had many ups and downs because of this. Dimple was only 16 when they got married in 1973, and soon after, Rajesh’s popularity declined as Amitabh Bachchan became the new big star. Dimple said it was her first time experiencing failure in life. She mentioned how tough it was for both of them to deal with the problems in their marriage. Dimple left him a few times but returned because she felt bad for him. She realized she couldn’t stay in that situation any longer because it was affecting her mental health.
Rajesh Khanna’s legacy as India’s first superstar is marked not only by his unparalleled success but also by the cautionary tale of how insecurity and hubris can precipitate one’s downfall. Though he passed away in 2012, his tumultuous journey serves as a reminder of the perils of fame and the importance of humility in the face of adversity.
