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{{short description|Indian actor}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name               = Rajesh Khanna
| name         = Rajesh Khanna
| image             = Abhijeet Das & Rajesh Khanna enhanced (cropped).jpg
| image         = Rajesh Khanna Profile.jpg
| caption            = Khanna in 2009
| birth_name   = Jatin Khanna
| birth_name         = Jatin Khanna
| birth_date   = 29 December 1942
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1942|12|29|df=yes}}
| birth_place   = [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], India
| birth_place       = [[Amritsar]], [[Punjab Province (British India)|Punjab]], [[British India]] <br />{{small|(present-day [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], [[India]])}}
| death_date   = 18 July 2012 (aged 69)
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2012|07|18|1942|12|29|df=yes}}
| death_place = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| death_place       = [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| death_cause = [[Cancer]]
| nationality        = [[Indian people|Indian]]
| alias = Jatin Khanna<br>Kaka<br>RK
| occupation        = {{hlist|Actor|film producer|politician}}
| years_active  = 1966–2012 (actor)
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Dimple Kapadia]]|1973|1982|reason={{abbr|sep.|separated}}}}
| occupation    = Film actor and producer
| years_active      = 1966{{endash}}2012
| spouse       = [[Dimple Kapadia]] (1973–1984 separated)
| children           = {{ubl|[[Twinkle Khanna]] (daughter)|[[Rinke Khanna]] (daughter)}}
| children     = [[Twinkle Khanna]]<br />[[Rinke Khanna]]
| relatives         = {{ubl|[[Akshay Kumar]] (son-in-law)|[[Simple Kapadia]] (sister-in-law)}}
| relatives   = [[Akshay Kumar]]
| awards            = [[Padma Bhushan]] (2013)<br />[[List of awards and nominations received by Rajesh Khanna|Full list]]
}}
| works              = [[Rajesh Khanna filmography|Full list]]
'''Rajesh Khanna''' (29 December 1942 {{ndash}} 18 July 2012) was an [[India]]n actor in movies. He became very famous in [[Bollywood]] after Shakti Samantha's movie ''Aradhana''. Rajesh played both the father and son in that movie. Some of his well-known movies are ''Anand'', ''Kati Patang'', ''Safar'', ''Sacha Jhuta'', ''Raja Rani'', ''Bawarchi'' and ''Amar Prem''.
| party              = [[Indian National Congress]]
| signature          = Rajesh Khanna signature.svg
| signature_alt      =
| education          = [[K. C. College]]
| module            = {{Infobox officeholder|embed=yes
| office              = [[Member of Parliament]], [[Lok Sabha]]
| term_start          = 1992
| term_end            = 1996
| constituency        = [[New Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|New Delhi]]
| predecessor        = [[L. K. Advani]]
| majority            = 28,256
| successor          = [[Jagmohan]]
}}}}


'''Rajesh Khanna''' ({{IPA-hi|rɑːˈdʒeːʃ kʰənˈnə|pron}}) ({{audio|Hi-Rajesh Khanna.ogg|pronunciation}}; born '''Jatin Khanna'''; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in [[Hindi films]]. Dubbed the "First [[Superstar]] of [[Indian cinema]]",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pmindia.gov.in/press-details.php?nodeid=1466|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722073412/http://pmindia.gov.in/press-details.php?nodeid=1466 |title=PM condoles the passing away of Rajesh Khanna|publisher=The PMO|access-date=18 July 2012|date=18 July 2012|archive-date=22 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2012|title=Rajesh Khanna: The Superstar|url=http://tribune.com.pk/article/12872/why-rajesh-khanna-was-bollywood%E2%80%99s-first-superstar|url-status=live|access-date=1 August 2021|website=The Express Tribune|language=en}}</ref> he consecutively starred in a record 15 successful films between 1969 and 1971.<ref name="thenational">{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/the-best-of-rajesh-khanna|title=The best of Rajesh Khanna &#124; The National|date=31 July 2012|publisher=thenational.ae|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014024131/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/the-best-of-rajesh-khanna|archive-date=14 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="in">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/19-people-we-will-miss/314073-55.html|title=19 people we will miss – IBNLive|publisher=ibnlive.in.com|access-date=27 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205191754/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/19-people-we-will-miss/314073-55.html|archive-date=5 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theprint.in/opinion/reel-take/do-raaste-cemented-rajesh-khannas-position-as-bollywoods-first-superstar/265176/amp/|title=Do raaste cemented Rajesh Khanna's positiin as bollywood's first superstar|date=21 July 2019|website=The Print|access-date=16 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816135940/https://theprint.in/opinion/reel-take/do-raaste-cemented-rajesh-khannas-position-as-bollywoods-first-superstar/265176/amp/|archive-date=16 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsnation.in/entertainment/bollywood/will-this-actor-be-able-to-break-rajesh-khannas-record-of-15-hits-in-a-row-221713.html|title=Will this actor be able to break Rajesh Khanna's record of 15 hits in a row|date=24 April 2019|website=News Nation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103105325/https://www.newsnation.in/entertainment/bollywood/will-this-actor-be-able-to-break-rajesh-khannas-record-of-15-hits-in-a-row-221713.html|archive-date=3 January 2020}}</ref> He was the highest-paid actor in [[Hindi cinema]] throughout the 1970s and 1980s.<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/rajesh-khanna-10-facts-only-a-real-fan-would-know-244856 Rajesh Khanna: 10 facts only a real fan would know] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723153652/http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/rajesh-khanna-10-facts-only-a-real-fan-would-know-244856|date=23 July 2012}}. NDTV.com (18 July 2012).</ref> [[List of awards and nominations received by Rajesh Khanna|His accolades]] include four [[BFJA awards|BFJA Awards]] and five [[Filmfare Awards]], and in 2013, he was posthumously awarded the [[Padma Bhushan]], India's third highest civilian honour.
== External links ==
 
*{{imdb|0004435}}
Khanna made his debut in 1966 with ''[[Aakhri Khat]]'' which was India's first official [[Academy Awards|Oscar Entry]] in 1967.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/11-things-you-dont-know-about-rajesh-khanna-110078-2012-07-18|title=11 things you don't know about Rajesh Khanna|website=India today|access-date=15 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816003347/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/11-things-you-dont-know-about-rajesh-khanna-110078-2012-07-18|archive-date=16 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, he was honoured with the [[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award]] on the [[50th Filmfare Awards|50th anniversary]] of the [[Filmfare Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/When-Kishore-sang-non-stop-for-Filmfare-/articleshow/4200560.cms |title=When Kishore sang non-stop for Filmfare… |publisher=indiatimes.com |date=28 February 2009 |access-date=3 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111063841/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/When-Kishore-sang-non-stop-for-Filmfare-/articleshow/4200560.cms |archive-date=11 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/15/stories/2009061556591800.htm |title=Emotional Rajesh Khanna thanks Amitabh Bachchan |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=15 June 2009 |access-date=3 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721070941/http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/15/stories/2009061556591800.htm |archive-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was a [[Member of parliament, Lok Sabha|Member of Parliament]] in the [[10th Lok Sabha]] from [[New Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency]] between 1992 and 1996, elected in the [[1992 New Delhi by-election]] as an [[Indian National Congress]] candidate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/delhi/rajesh-khanna-the-politician-and-the-phenomenon/story-6or0NKQnVDNXgb7JPlvdQJ.html|title=Rajesh khanna : the politician and the phenomenon|website=Hindustan Times|date=18 July 2012}}</ref> He was married to [[Dimple Kapadia]] in March 1973, eight months before her debut film ''[[Bobby (1973 film)|Bobby]]'' was released and had two daughters from the marriage. Their elder daughter [[Twinkle Khanna]] is an actress who is married to actor [[Akshay Kumar]], while they also have a younger daughter [[Rinke Khanna]].<ref name="ht">{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/With-string-of-hits-Rajesh-Khanna-leaves-memories-behind/Article1-891123.aspx |title=Superstar Rajesh Khanna breaks millions of hearts, says goodbye |website=Hindustan Times |date=29 December 1942 |access-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720191104/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/With-string-of-hits-Rajesh-Khanna-leaves-memories-behind/Article1-891123.aspx |archive-date=20 July 2012 }}</ref>
 
Khanna died on 18 July 2012, after a period of illness.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jagran.com/news/national-rajesh-khanna-actorss-last-journey-begins-9484744.html|title='आनंद' के अंतिम संस्कार में प्रशंसकों पर लाठी चार्ज|newspaper=Dainik Jagran|access-date=19 July 2012|date=19 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123043906/http://www.jagran.com/news/national-rajesh-khanna-actorss-last-journey-begins-9484744.html|archive-date=23 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> He has been honoured with a stamp and statue in his likeness, and a road renamed after him by the [[Prime Minister of India]]. In 2014, his biography ''[[Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar]]'' by [[Yasser Usman]] was published by [[Penguin Books]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/books/books-reviews/a-star-only-too-human/article6686013.ece/amp/|title=A star only too human|date=12 December 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|url-status=live|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102084109/https://www.thehindu.com/books/books-reviews/a-star-only-too-human/article6686013.ece/amp/|archive-date=2 January 2020}}</ref> In 2018, a one kilometre fitness trail in [[Lajpat Nagar|Lajpat Nagar National Park]] was named after Khanna, which was inaugurated by his wife [[Dimple Kapadia]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Lajpat Nagar park in Delhi gets a blockbuster twist {{!}} Delhi News – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/lajpat-ngr-park-gets-a-blockbuster-twist/articleshow/67110466.cms |access-date=16 August 2019 |work=The Times of India |date=16 December 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904011606/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/lajpat-ngr-park-gets-a-blockbuster-twist/articleshow/67110466.cms |archive-date=4 September 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
== Early life ==
Rajesh Khanna was born on 29 December 1942, in [[Amritsar]] in the present-day state of [[Punjab, India|Punjab]],<ref name=Birthplace>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_relatives-remember-rajesh-khanna-in-his-birthplace-amritsar_1716655 |title=Relatives remember Rajesh Khanna in his birthplace, Amritsar |date=18 July 2012 |first=Jaideep |last=Sarin |location=Amritsar |website=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |access-date=28 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721043823/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_relatives-remember-rajesh-khanna-in-his-birthplace-amritsar_1716655 |archive-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> in a Hindu [[Khatri]] family<ref>{{cite web |last1=Farook |first1=Farhana |title=Rajesh Khanna's rooh is still in Aashirwad |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/rajesh-khannas-rooh-is-still-in-aashirwad-9782.html |website=Filmfare |access-date=8 February 2021 |language=en |date=10 July 2015}}</ref> as Jatin Khanna.<ref name="Zee News">{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/rajesh-khanna-some-little-known-facts_115494.htm|title=Rajesh Khanna – Some little known facts|publisher=Zee News|date=18 July 2012|access-date=14 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822025555/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/rajesh-khanna-some-little-known-facts_115494.htm|archive-date=22 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120718/latest-news.htm|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Latest News|website=www.tribuneindia.com|access-date=27 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203842/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120718/latest-news.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> He was adopted and raised by Chunnilal Khanna and Leelawati Khanna,<ref>{{Cite news |first=Yudhvir |last=Rana |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/news-interviews/32729926_1_rajesh-khanna-chunni-lal-khanna-shiv-temple |title=The glow on the face of young Rajesh Khanna revealed his career |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=21 June 2012 |access-date=21 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112002247/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/news-interviews/32729926_1_rajesh-khanna-chunni-lal-khanna-shiv-temple |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> who were relatives of his biological parents. His father had migrated from [[West Punjab]] to Gali Tiwarian in [[Amritsar]]. His biological parents were Lala Hiranand Khanna and Chandrani Khanna. Lala worked as headmaster of the MC High School in [[Burewala]] (in present-day [[Vehari District]], [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]]).<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistans-burewala-city-mourns-rajesh-khannas-death/976664/ Pakistan's Burewala city mourns Rajesh Khanna's death] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112000920/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pakistans-burewala-city-mourns-rajesh-khannas-death/976664/ |date=12 November 2013 }}. ''Indian Express''.</ref><ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_pakistan-s-burewala-city-mourns-rajesh-khanna-s-death_1717111 Pakistan's Burewala city mourns Rajesh Khanna's death – Entertainment – DNA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721201635/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_pakistan-s-burewala-city-mourns-rajesh-khanna-s-death_1717111 |date=21 July 2012 }}. Dnaindia.com.</ref> His adoptive parents belonged to a family of railway contractors who had moved from [[Lahore]] to [[Mumbai|Bombay]] in 1935.<ref name=Gupta2015 /> Khanna lived in Saraswati Niwas,<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/school-remembers-superstar-alumnus/976432/ Rajesh Khanna: School remembers superstar alumnus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112001044/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/school-remembers-superstar-alumnus/976432/ |date=12 November 2013 }}. Indian Express (19 July 2012).</ref> in Thakurdwar near [[Girgaon]], Mumbai.
 
He attended St. Sebastian's Goan High School with his friend Ravi Kapoor, who later took the stage name [[Jeetendra]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://chatinterviews.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1258826.cms |work=The Times Of India |location=India |title=Jeetendra-Actors-Bollywood-Celeb Interview Archives-Indiatimes Chat |access-date=7 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724022307/http://chatinterviews.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1258826.cms |archive-date=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Khanna gradually started taking interest in theatre, did many of stage and theatre plays in his school and college days, and won many prizes in inter-college drama competitions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/3005-1.html?from=movies |title=Aan Milo Sajna : Birthday Bumps : Rajesh Khanna – Photogallery – Movies News – IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013222138/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/3005-1.html?from=movies |archive-date=13 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
In 1962 Khanna played a wounded mute soldier in the play ''[[Andha Yug]]'' and impressed with his performance; the chief guest suggested that he get into films soon.<ref name="google">{{cite book|title=Your Time Starts Now|author=Agrawal, V.|year=2006|publisher=INDRA Publishing House|isbn=9788189107017|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IkTQL-Ofc4MC|access-date=20 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111063840/https://books.google.com/books?id=IkTQL-Ofc4MC|archive-date=11 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Khanna became a rare newcomer who had his own [[MG sports car]], who once struggled to get work in theatre and films in the early 1960s.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HixlAAAAMAAJ&q=rajesh+khanna++became+that+rare+newcomer+who+struggled+in+his+ |title=The hundred luminaries of Hindi cinema |access-date=28 November 2011|isbn=9788175080072 |last1=Raheja |first1=Dinesh |last2=Kothari |first2=Jitendra |year=1996 }}</ref>
 
Khanna did his first two years of [[Bachelor of Arts]] in [[Nowrosjee Wadia College]] in [[Pune]] from 1959 to 1961.<ref>[http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20120210013&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood&nid=245920 Rajesh Khanna's mother could not stand even his on-screen death] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722020339/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?Section=Movies&ID=ENTEN20120210013&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA&keyword=bollywood&nid=245920 |date=22 July 2012 }}. Movies.ndtv.com (21 July 2012).</ref> Khanna later studied in [[Kishinchand Chellaram College|K. C. College]], Mumbai and Jeetendra studied from Siddharth Jain College. Khanna tutored Jeetendra for his first film audition. Khanna's uncle KK Talwar changed Khanna's first name to Rajesh when he decided to enter films.<ref name="hindustantimes2015" /> His friends and his wife called him ''Kaka'' (meaning a baby faced boy in Punjabi).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/3005-0.html?from=movies |title=Amar Prem: Birthday Bumps : Rajesh Khanna – Photogallery – Movies News – IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014023634/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/3005-0.html?from=movies |archive-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
== Acting career ==
 
=== 1960s ===
Rajesh Khanna was one of eight finalists from more than 10,000 contestants in the 1965 All India Talent Contest, organised by United Producers and Filmfare, along with other [[Film and Television Institute of India|FTII]] students [[Subhash Ghai]] and [[Dheeraj Kumar]].<ref name="rstv">{{cite web |last1=K |first1=Irfan |title=Guftagoo with Subhash Ghai – an interview |url=http://muktaarts.com/Media/Guftagoo%20with%20Subhash%20Ghai.php |website=www.muktaarts.com |publisher=Rajya Sabha TV |access-date=23 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123154321/http://muktaarts.com/Media/Guftagoo%20with%20Subhash%20Ghai.php |archive-date=23 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.filmfare.com/articles/terrific-25-15-770.html |title=Terrific 25 – 1/5 |magazine=Filmfare |date=24 April 2010 |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906115754/http://www.filmfare.com/articles/terrific-25-15-770.html |archive-date=6 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Rajesh Khanna won the contest along with [[Farida Jalal]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4155691&page=3 |title=India's First Superstar – Retiring Room: Rajesh Khanna |publisher=Entertainment.in.msn.com |date=29 December 2010 |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003011007/http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4155691&page=3 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Baldev Raj Chopra|BR Chopra]], [[Bimal Roy]], [[G. P. Sippy|GP Sippy]], [[H. S. Rawail|HS Rawail]], [[Nazir Hussain|Nasir Husain]], [[J. Om Prakash|J.Om Prakash]], Mohan Saigal, [[Shakti Samanta]] and [[Subodh Mukherjee|Subodh Mukherji]] and others had created the United Producers organisation and were then judges of the contest.<ref name="Gupta2015">{{cite news|last=Gupta|first=Trisha|date=19 October 2014|title=A Star Fell from Heaven|newspaper=Mumbai Mirror|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/columns/columns/A-star-fell-from-heaven/articleshow/44873269.cms|url-status=live|access-date=6 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619202823/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/columns/columns/A-star-fell-from-heaven/articleshow/44873269.cms|archive-date=19 June 2015}}</ref>
 
He made his film debut in the 1966 film ''[[Aakhri Khat]]'', directed by [[Chetan Anand (director)|Chetan Anand]], followed by ''[[Raaz (1967 film)|Raaz]]'', directed by [[Ravindra Dave]], both of which were a part of his predetermined prize for winning the All-India United Producers' Talent Competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/The-original-superstar/327356/ |title=The original superstar – Rajesh Khanna |publisher=Screenindia.com |access-date=28 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031052147/http://www.screenindia.com/news/The-original-superstar/327356/ |archive-date=31 October 2010 }}</ref> [[G. P. Sippy|G.P. Sippy]] and [[Nasir Hussain]] were the first to sign Rajesh Khanna after he won the contest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/20020322/ftribute.html|title=Adieu|date=22 March 2002|work=Screen India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815061559/http://www.screenindia.com/old/20020322/ftribute.html |archive-date=15 August 2009 }}</ref> ''Aakhri Khat'' was India's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 40th [[Academy Awards|Oscar Academy Awards]] in 1967. Khanna in an interview to the newspaper [[The Hindu]] said:
 
<blockquote>Though 'Aakhri Khat' is my first film, I received my first break as a leading actor in Ravindra Dave's, 'Raaz', in 1967. My heroine was Babita, already a popular actress then. Though I had lots of confidence, I was shy in facing the camera initially. In my first three shots, I had to perform with stress on my body language and dialogue delivery. Though I was right with my dialogues, my movements were not up to the mark. Ravindra Dave explained me my scenes and movements very clearly correcting my way of walking.<ref name="My First Break – Rajesh Khanna">{{Cite news | url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2032058.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=My First Break – Rajesh Khanna | date=19 May 2011 | access-date=20 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523043506/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2032058.ece | archive-date=23 May 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref></blockquote>
 
Being under contract with United Producers, he got projects such as ''[[Aurat (1967 film)|Aurat]]'', ''[[Doli (1969 film)|Doli]]'' and ''[[Ittefaq (1969 film)|Ittefaq]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/20010216/cover.htm |title=Yash Chopra: "Love is the most important thing in life" |work=Screen India |date=16 February 2001 |access-date=2 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123140846/http://www.screenindia.com/old/20010216/cover.htm |archive-date=23 January 2009 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> He was then noticed for his performances in films such as ''[[Baharon Ke Sapne]]'', ''[[Aurat (1967 film)|Aurat]]'' (1967), ''[[Doli (1969 film)|Doli]]'', ''[[Aradhana (1969 film)|Aradhana]]'' and ''[[Ittefaq (1969 film)|Ittefaq]]''. In ''Bahraon Ke Sapne'', the response from the public in the first week of run forced the film's ending to be changed from a tragic one to a happier one from the second week.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130201225208/http://www.sarkaritel.com/rajesh-khanna-an-iconic-star-passes-away Rajesh Khanna – An Iconic Star Passes Away]. Sarkaritel.com (19 July 2012).</ref> Later, [[Waheeda Rehman]] suggested to [[Asit Sen (director)|Asit Sen]] to take Khanna for the lead role in ''Khamoshi''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/3005-3.html?from=movies |title=Khamoshi : Birthday Bumps : Rajesh Khanna – Photogallery – Movies News – IBNLive |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014023831/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/3005-3.html?from=movies |archive-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Through ''Aradhana'' he rose to "instant national fame" and film critics referred to him as the "First Superstar of India" owing to the crazy following he got and the big crowds he could pull.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=egxlAAAAMAAJ&q=critics+started+calling+him+the+first+superstar+of+India |title=Bollywood: popular Indian cinema |access-date=28 November 2011|last1=Joshi |first1=Lalit Mohan |date=1 September 2002 |isbn=978-0-9537032-2-7 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4155691&page=4 |title=India's First Superstar – Retiring Room: Rajesh Khanna |publisher=Entertainment.in.msn.com |date=14 July 2010 |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718220056/http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4155691&page=4 |archive-date=18 July 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rajesh Khanna was cast in a double role (father and son) opposite [[Sharmila Tagore]] and [[Farida Jalal]]. It also saw the resurgence of [[Kishore Kumar]], who eventually became the official playback voice of Rajesh Khanna. They worked together until Kishore's death in 1987 and songs of their combination were released until 1991.<ref>{{cite web |author=TI Trade |url=http://www.assamtribune.com/oct1109/sunday.html |title=Assam Tribune online |publisher=Assamtribune.com |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318020610/http://www.assamtribune.com/oct1109/sunday.html |archive-date=18 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
=== 1970s ===
In 1971, he acted in ''[[Haathi Mere Saathi (1971 film)|Haathi Mere Saathi]]'', which became that year's highest-grossing film and the biggest grosser ever till then.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/india-s-first-superstar-dies-at-69-112071900075_1.html India's first superstar dies at 69 | Business Standard News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305141808/http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/india-s-first-superstar-dies-at-69-112071900075_1.html |date=5 March 2016 }}. Business-standard.com. Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://zoomtv.indiatimes.com/photos/photogalleries/celebs/parties/in-pics-rajesh-khannas-biggest-hits/haathi-mere-saathi-1971/photoshow/21141401.cms |title=Haathi Mera Saathi (1971) – Photos |work=Zoom.in |access-date=6 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208145959/http://zoomtv.indiatimes.com/photos/photogalleries/celebs/parties/in-pics-rajesh-khannas-biggest-hits/haathi-mere-saathi-1971/photoshow/21141401.cms |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Khanna is credited with giving [[Salim Khan]] and [[Javed Akhtar]] their first chance to become screenplay writers by offering them work in ''Haathi Mere Saathi''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.timesofoman.com/featuredetail.asp?fid=884 |title=The elephantine hit |work=Times of Oman |date=19 May 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927110508/http://www.timesofoman.com/featuredetail.asp?fid=884 |archive-date=27 September 2011 }}</ref> [[Javed Akhtar|Javed Akhthar]] accepted and said in an interview: "One day, he went to Salimsaab and said that Mr. Devar had given him a huge signing amount with which he could complete the payment for his bungalow Aashirwad. But the film's script was far from being satisfactory. He told us that if we could set right the script, he would make sure we got both money and credit."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/the-elephantine-hit/789638/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202010330/http://www.screenindia.com/news/the-elephantine-hit/789638/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 February 2013 |title=The Elephantine hit |publisher=Screenindia.com |date=13 May 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 }}</ref> Rajesh bought [[Rajendra Kumar]]'s bungalow named Dimple in [[Carter Road Promenade]] for 31&nbsp;lakhs in 1970 and renamed it Ashirwaad.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-24/news-interviews/32826843_1_bungalow-jubilee-kumar-rajesh-khanna | title=Rajesh Khanna's bungalow Aashirwad was haunted | access-date=16 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714021737/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-24/news-interviews/32826843_1_bungalow-jubilee-kumar-rajesh-khanna | archive-date=14 July 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref>
 
Rajesh Khanna had 15 consecutive solo hit films between 1969 and 1971.<ref name="firstpost">{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/rajesh-khanna-the-superstar-who-could-not-handle-success-381803.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719201948/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/rajesh-khanna-the-superstar-who-could-not-handle-success-381803.html |archive-date=19 July 2012 |url-status=dead |title=Rajesh Khanna: The Superstar who could not handle success &#124; Firstpost |first=Vivek |last=Kaul |access-date=27 May 2014 }}</ref> These were ''[[Aradhana (1969 film)|Aradhana]]'', ''[[Doli (1969 film)|Doli]]'', ''[[Bandhan (1998 film)|Bandhan]]'', ''[[Ittefaq (1969 film)|Ittefaq]]'', ''[[Do Raaste]]'', ''[[Khamoshi (1970 film)|Khamoshi]]'', ''[[Safar (1970 film)|Safar]]'', ''[[The Train (1970 film)|The Train]]'', ''[[Kati Patang]]'', ''[[Sachaa Jhutha]]'', ''[[Aan Milo Sajna]]'', ''[[Mehboob Ki Mehndi|Mehboob Ki Mehendi]]'', ''[[Chhoti Bahu|Choti Bahu]]'', ''[[Anand (1971 film)|Anand]]'' and ''[[Haathi Mere Saathi (1971 film)|Haathi Mere Saathi]]''.<ref name="indianexpress">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/fans-remember-rajesh-khanna-on-his-first-death-anniversary/3076-5.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130822172919/http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/fans-remember-rajesh-khanna-on-his-first-death-anniversary/3076-5.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 August 2013|title=PHOTOS: Fans remember Rajesh Khanna on his first death anniversary Photo Gallery, Picture News Gallery – The Indian Express|publisher=indianexpress.com|access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref> He had 17 consecutive hit films as the lead hero from 1969 to 1971 which included 15 solo hero films and 2 non-solo hero films; ''[[Andaz (1971 film)|Andaz]]'' and ''[[Maryada (1971 film)|Maryada]]''.<ref name="hindustantimes2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/eight-unknown-facts-about-rajesh-khanna/article1-1370589.aspx|title=Eight lesser known facts about Rajesh Khanna|access-date=18 July 2015|date=18 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721000426/http://www.hindustantimes.com/chandigarh/eight-unknown-facts-about-rajesh-khanna/article1-1370589.aspx|archive-date=21 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=That's Entertainment|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=5 September 1986|page=3}}</ref>
 
''[[Badnam Farishte]]'' in 1971 was unsuccessful at the box office. In 1972, Khanna acted in 11 releases including the [[Telugu language|Telugu]] film ''[[Bangaru Babu (1973 film)|Bangaru Babu]]''. That year, his films, ''[[Amar Prem]]'', ''[[Apna Desh]]'' and ''[[Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972 film)|Mere Jeevan Saathi]]'' earned more than Rs.5 crore together.<ref>{{cite web|title = Ten actors with the maximum releases in a year|url = http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/n47yWjW7ntGx4RmNzyTMCL/Ten-actors-with-the-maximum-releases-in-a-year.html|website = livemint.com|access-date = 24 October 2015|date = 7 October 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151012035251/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/n47yWjW7ntGx4RmNzyTMCL/Ten-actors-with-the-maximum-releases-in-a-year.html|archive-date = 12 October 2015|url-status = live}}</ref> His other films of 1972 such as ''[[Dil Daulat Duniya]]'', ''[[Bawarchi]]'', ''[[Joroo Ka Ghulam]]'' and ''[[Shehzada]]'' earned more than Rs.4.5 crores. His next release ''[[Anuraag (1972 film)|Anuraag]]'' was a hit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=178&catName=MTk3Mg==|title=Box Office 1972|work=Box office India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115223729/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=178&catName=MTk3Mg%3D%3D |date=15 January 2013|archive-date=15 January 2013}}</ref> The film ''[[Maalik]]'' released in end of 1972 was unsuccessful. He made a guest appearance in a Telugu movie called ''[[Bangaru Babu (1973 film)|Bangaru Babu]]'', directed by [[V. B. Rajendra Prasad|V.B. Rajendra Prasad]] in 1973, which was a hit at the box office.
 
As per the review of ''[[Raja Rani (1973 film)|Raja Rani]]'' written in 2014 by ''[[The Hindu]]'' newspaper, the film did well at the box office and, taking into consideration the inflation as of 2014, the film would have grossed more than 100 crores. The attire worn by Khanna was a sleeveless shirt and trousers, thick leather belt, shoes without socks and a black cap.''The Hindu'' review noted "On a lesser actor, the attire would have fallen flat, but Khanna, as a small time thief, carries it with characteristic élan."<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/raja-rani-1973/article5003591.ece Raja Rani (1973)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811035544/http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/raja-rani-1973/article5003591.ece |date=11 August 2013 }}. The Hindu. Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref>
 
Rajesh acted alongside [[Mumtaz (actress)|Mumtaz]] in eight films. They were neighbours and got along very well, which translated onto the screen. Mumtaz stated "I would pull his leg and tease him about his fan following. Whenever Rajesh entered a hotel in [[Madras]], there was a queue of 600 girls waiting to see him at midnight. As a result, even I would get some importance, as people would ask for my autograph as well. He was very generous with his associates, and would party a lot."<ref name="indiajournal">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiajournal.com/archives/26223|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130915123036/http://www.indiajournal.com/archives/26223|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 September 2013|title=Rajesh Khanna: The Enigma|publisher=indiajournal.com|access-date=15 September 2013}}</ref>
 
During the peak of his career he would be mobbed during public appearances. Fans kissed his car, which would be covered with lipstick marks, and lined the road, cheering and chanting his name. Female fans sent him letters written in their blood.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ztpkAAAAMAAJ&q=letters+in+blood |title=Icons from Bollywood |access-date=28 November 2011|last1=Chaudhuri |first1=Shantanu Ray |last2=Nayak |first2=Prashanto Kumar |date=1 February 2005 |isbn=978-0-14-333491-0 }}</ref> There used to be a line of cars of his producers and hysterical fans outside his bungalow every day. Actor [[Mehmood Ali|Mehmood]] parodied him in ''[[Bombay to Goa]]'' where the driver and conductor of the bus were called 'Rajesh' and 'Khanna' respectively. Even today, he remains the favourite of mimicry artists, who copy his trademark style and dialogue delivery.


During the filming of ''Amar Prem'' there was a scene that needed to be shot at [[Howrah Bridge]] with a boat carrying Khanna and Sharmila under the bridge. The authorities ruled this scene out as they realised that if the public found out that the star would be there, it may create problems on the bridge and that it might collapse due to the number of people trying to get a glimpse of their favourite actor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A58369567 |title=h2g2 – Bollywood Cinema 1960–69 |publisher=BBC |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104133648/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A58369567 |archive-date=4 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Film critic Monojit Lahiri remembers "Girls married themselves to photographs of Rajesh Khanna, cutting their fingers and applying the blood as sindoor. Rajesh was God, there has never been such hysteria."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zoomtv.in/stories/Era-of-superstars-is-over/5999 |title=Latest Bollywood &#124; News &#124; Videos &#124; Pictures &#124; Celebrities |publisher=zoomtv.in |date=29 September 2009 |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003235845/http://www.zoomtv.in/stories/Era-of-superstars-is-over/5999 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In the year 1974, the [[Filmfare Awards]] were held honouring the films released in the year 1973. Khanna was nominated for his performance in a complicated role in ''[[Daag (1973 film)|Daag]]''. However, [[Rishi Kapoor]] received the Best Actor award for his jolly, schoolboyish debut role in ''[[Bobby (1973 film)|Bobby]]'', Khanna did not win the award for his performance in ''[[Daag (1973 film)|Daag]]''.<ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rishi-kapoor-looks-back-on-a-life-in-the-movies-in-khullam-khulla-but-is-it-really-uncensored-3204680.html Rishi Kapoor's book offers a ringside view of Bollywood: On Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna- Entertainment News, Firstpost] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122150435/http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rishi-kapoor-looks-back-on-a-life-in-the-movies-in-khullam-khulla-but-is-it-really-uncensored-3204680.html |date=22 January 2017 }}. Firstpost.com (15 January 2017). Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref>
Several songs sung by [[Kishore Kumar]] in the 1970s were based on Rajesh Khanna. During the filming of the song "Mere Sapnon Ki Rani" in Aradhana, Sharmila Tagore was shooting for a [[Satyajit Ray]] film and director Shakti Samanta had to shoot their scenes separately and then join the scenes together. In the 1970s, his chemistry with [[Sharmila Tagore]], [[Mumtaz (actress)|Mumtaz]], [[Asha Parekh]], [[Zeenat Aman]], [[Tanuja]] and [[Hema Malini]] were also popular with audiences.<ref>{{cite news |first=Purva |last=Desai |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-21/news-interviews/32353350_1_rajesh-khanna-asha-parekh-amar-prem |title=Rajesh Khanna's top five jodis |date=21 June 2012 |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923193610/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-21/news-interviews/32353350_1_rajesh-khanna-asha-parekh-amar-prem |archive-date=23 September 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 1973, [[BBC]] also made a documentary on him named as ''Bombay Superstar'' as a part of their ''[[Man Alive (British TV series)|Man Alive]]'' series.<ref name="Achievements">Raghavendra, Nandini (19 July 2012) [https://web.archive.org/web/20160318055130/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/news/32747291_1_rajesh-khanna-ads-emami Rajesh Khanna defined superstardom, yet 'Brand Kaka' was hardly leveraged]. economictimes.indiatimes.com</ref> Shooting began when he got married and his film ''Daag'' premiered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wn.com/The_story_of_India__amazing_BBC_documentary_series_part_1_of_7 |title=The Story Of India Amazing Bbc Documentary Series Part 1 Of 7 |publisher=Wn.com |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415123008/http://wn.com/The_story_of_India__amazing_BBC_documentary_series_part_1_of_7 |archive-date=15 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the video it can be noticed that Khanna was shooting for ''[[Aap Ki Kasam]]''. A textbook prescribed by the [[Mumbai University]] contained an essay, "The Charisma of Rajesh Khanna!"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/38328.html |title=First Superstar honoured – Bollywood Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613151511/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/38328.html |archive-date=13 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Sharmila Tagore said in an interview to ''[[The Indian Express]]'' that "women came out in droves to see ''Kaka''. They would stand in queues outside the studios to catch a glimpse, they would marry his photographs, they would pull at his clothes. Delhi girls were crazier for him than Mumbai girls. He needed police protection when he was in public. I have never seen anything like this before or since."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/On-a-Song/776521/ |title=On a Song |website=The Indian Express |date=27 July 2010 |location=India |access-date=19 September 2011}}</ref>
Music remained one of the biggest attractions of all Rajesh Khanna films throughout his career. His films were always known for the music with chartbuster soundtracks. The reason for this was that Khanna used to personally sit in music sessions with music directors such as [[Kalyanji–Anandji|Kalyanji Anandji]], [[R. D. Burman]], [[Shankar Jaikishan|Shankar Jaikishen]], [[Laxmikant–Pyarelal|Lakshmikant Pyarelal]], [[S. D. Burman|S.D. Burman]], [[Bappi Lahiri|Bappie Lahiri]] and select tunes for duets and solo songs in his films. He used to be personally present for recording of the solo songs to be picturised on him.<ref>[http://www.newsx.com/entertainment/remembering-rajesh-khanna-first-superstar-hindi-cinema-birthday Remembering Rajesh Khanna the first Superstar of Hindi Cinema on his birthday] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229172714/http://www.newsx.com/entertainment/remembering-rajesh-khanna-first-superstar-hindi-cinema-birthday |date=29 December 2017 }}. NewsX. Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref>
Many of the musical scores for Khanna's films were composed by [[Laxmikant–Pyarelal]], [[Sachin Dev Burman]] and [[R. D. Burman]]. The trio of Rajesh Khanna, [[Kishore Kumar]] and R.D. Burman went on to make a number of popular films, including ''[[Kati Patang]]'', ''[[Amar Prem]]'', ''[[Shehzada]]'', ''[[Apna Desh]]'', ''[[Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972 film)|Mere Jeevan Saathi]]'', ''[[Aap Ki Kasam]]'', ''[[Ajnabee (1974 film)|Ajnabee]]'', ''[[Namak Haraam]]'', ''[[Maha Chor]]'', ''[[Karm]]'', ''[[Phir Wohi Raat]]'', ''[[Aanchal (1980 film)|Aanchal]]'', ''[[Kudrat]]'', ''[[Ashanti (1982 film)|Ashanti]]'', ''[[Agar Tum Na Hote]]'', ''[[Awaaz]]'', ''[[Hum Dono (1985 film)|Hum Dono]]'' and ''[[Alag Alag]]''.
Khanna considered [[Guru Dutt]], [[Meena Kumari]] and [[Geeta Bali]] to be his idols. Khanna said in an interview: "My inspirations include [[Dilip Kumar]]'s dedication and intensity, [[Raj Kapoor]]'s spontaneity, [[Dev Anand]]'s style and [[Shammi Kapoor]]'s rhythm."<ref name="My First Break – Rajesh Khanna" />
Between 1976 and 1978, Khanna acted in seven films that were not commercially successful.  These films included ''[[Mehbooba (1976 film)|Mehbooba]]'',<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&q=mehbooba+(C-1976) |title=Collections – Google Books |date=1 August 2008 |access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> ''[[Bundal Baaz]]'', ''[[Tyaag (1977 film)|Tyaag]]'', ''[[Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein]]'', ''[[Naukri]]'', ''[[Chakravyuha (1978 film)|Chakravyuha]]'' and ''[[Janta Hawaldar]]'',<ref name="indianexpress2">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/fans-remember-rajesh-khanna-on-his-first-death-anniversary/3076-6.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130822172933/http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/fans-remember-rajesh-khanna-on-his-first-death-anniversary/3076-6.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 August 2013|title=PHOTOS: Fans remember Rajesh Khanna on his first death anniversary Photo Gallery, Picture News Gallery – The Indian Express|publisher=indianexpress.com|access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref> which were directed by [[Shakti Samanta]], [[Shammi Kapoor]], Din Dayal Sharma, Meraj, [[Hrishikesh Mukherjee]], [[Basu Chatterjee]] and [[Mehmood Ali]], respectively. Khanna persuaded Samanta to cast his sister-in-law [[Simple Kapadia]] opposite him in ''[[Anurodh]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zoomtv.in/stories/Do-you-want-a-partner-/2592 |title=Latest Bollywood &#124; News &#124; Videos &#124; Pictures &#124; Celebrities |publisher=ZoomTV.in |date=20 April 2009 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003235957/http://www.zoomtv.in/stories/Do-you-want-a-partner-/2592 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Films starring Rajesh Khanna and directed by Shakti Samanta tended to be commercially successful, but ''Mehbooba'' was an exception.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=182&catName=MTk3Ng== |title=Boxofficeindia.com |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=19 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208235743/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=182&catName=MTk3Ng== |archive-date=8 December 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&q=asrani+P:Girija |title=Collections – Google Books |date=1 August 2008 |access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> The change from romantic and social movies to action oriented multi-starrers caused some decline of Khanna's career in terms of box office ratings. The declaration of [[The Emergency (India)|emergency]] in India had angered the masses and this helped films having the lead character revolting against corruption [and establishment] to become successes. Actor [[Joy Mukherjee]] made ''[[Chhailla Babu]]'', a suspense thriller in 1977, which became the only successful film of his as a director,<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/chhaila-babu-a-tale-of-deception-and-seduction/articleshow/3343963.cms?curpg=1 | work=The Times Of India | location=India | title=Features | date=9 August 2008 | first1=Gaurav | last1=Pai | access-date=8 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019004817/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/chhaila-babu-a-tale-of-deception-and-seduction/articleshow/3343963.cms?curpg=1 | archive-date=19 October 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> and the unexpected success of ''[[Chhailla Babu]]'' gave a boost to the career of Khanna.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/chhaila-babu-a-tale-of-deception-and-seduction/articleshow/3343963.cms?curpg=2 | work=The Times Of India | location=India | title=Features | date=9 August 2008 | first1=Gaurav | last1=Pai | access-date=8 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019004932/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/chhaila-babu-a-tale-of-deception-and-seduction/articleshow/3343963.cms?curpg=2 | archive-date=19 October 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> However, Khanna continued basically in solo-hero socially sober household meaningful films during this era and played a variety of characters in films of various genres. During this phase too he had box office hits like ''[[Maha Chor]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibosnetwork.com/asp/filmbodetails.asp?id=Maha+Chor/ |title=Maha Chor/ – Starring. Maha Chor/'s box office, news, reviews, video, pictures, and music soundtrack |publisher=Ibosnetwork.com |access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> ''[[Anurodh]]'', ''[[Bhola Bhala]]'', ''Tinku'' and ''[[Karm]]''.
Khanna was the first choice of director [[Raj Kapoor]] for the lead role in [[Satyam Shivam Sundaram]], but some members from the Raj Kapoor camp opposed his presence. Many other reasons are stated but the role eventually went to [[Shashi Kapoor]].<ref>[http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/rishi-kapoor-looks-back-on-a-life-in-the-movies-in-khullam-khulla-but-is-it-really-uncensored-3204680.html Rishi Kapoor's book offers a ringside view of Bollywood: On Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna- Entertainment News, Firstpost] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115225221/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/rishi-kapoor-looks-back-on-a-life-in-the-movies-in-khullam-khulla-but-is-it-really-uncensored-3204680.html |date=15 January 2017 }}. Firstpost.com (15 January 2017). Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref>
=== 1980s ===
After 1978, Khanna starred in films like<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=18&ID=6523#talk |title=Rajesh Khanna: The original superstar of the 70s turns 69 " NDTV Movies |publisher=[[NDTV]] |date=28 December 2011 |access-date=18 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627092927/http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=18&ID=6523#talk |archive-date=27 June 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4155691&page=12 |title=India's First Superstar – Retiring Room: Rajesh Khanna |publisher=Entertainment.in.msn.com |date=29 December 2010 |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714123628/http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4155691&page=12 |archive-date=14 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> such as ''[[Amar Deep (1979 film)|Amar Deep]]'', ''[[Phir Wohi Raat]]'', ''[[Bandish (1980 Indian film)|Bandish]]'',<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Filmmaker-D-Ramanaidu-honoured-with-Dada-Saheb-Phalke-award/articleshow/6525070.cms |title=Filmmaker D Ramanaidu honoured with Dada Saheb Phalke award |work=The Economic Times |date=9 September 2010 |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914005957/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Filmmaker-D-Ramanaidu-honoured-with-Dada-Saheb-Phalke-award/articleshow/6525070.cms |archive-date=14 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Thodisi Bewafaii]]'', ''[[Dard (1981 film)|Dard]]'', ''[[Kudrat]]'', ''[[Dhanwan (1981 film)|Dhanwan]]'', ''[[Ashanti (1982 film)]]'', ''[[Avtaar]]'', ''[[Agar Tum Na Hote]]'', ''[[Souten]]'', ''[[Jaanwar (1983 film)|Jaanwar]]'', ''[[Asha Jyoti]]'', ''[[Awaaz]]'',<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&q=awaaz |title=Collections – Google Books |date=1 August 2008 |access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> ''[[Naya Kadam]]'',<ref>https://books.google.com/books?ei=zWkxTPjZN8KB8gbBzNWLAw&ct=result&id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&dq=naya+kadam {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111063841/https://books.google.com/books?ei=zWkxTPjZN8KB8gbBzNWLAw&ct=result&id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ&dq=naya+kadam |date=11 January 2016 }}#search_anchor</ref> ''[[Hum Dono (1985 film)|Hum Dono]]'', ''[[Babu (1985 film)|Babu]]'', ''[[Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/cinema/Bollywood-s-Bihar-connection/Article1-599305.aspx |title=Bollywood's Bihar connection |website=Hindustan Times |location=India |date=12 September 2010 |access-date=21 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321203605/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Cinema/Bollywood-s-Bihar-connection/Article1-599305.aspx |archive-date=21 March 2012 }}</ref> ''[[Shatru]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.panchamonline.com/ |title=Pancham – Rahul Dev Burman |publisher=Panchamonline.com |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804214934/http://www.panchamonline.com/ |archive-date=4 August 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Insaaf Main Karoonga]]'', ''[[Anokha Rishta]]'', ''[[Nazrana (1987 film)|Nazrana]]'', ''[[Angaaray (1986 film)|Angaarey]]'', ''[[Adhikar (1986 film)|Adhikar]]'', ''[[Amrit (film)|Amrit]]'', ''[[Awam (film)|Awam]]'' and ''[[Rupaye Dus Karod]]''. Director [[Bharathiraja]] decided to remake his 1978 Tamil box office hit film ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]'' in Hindi with Khanna playing a psychopath. [[Kamal Haasan]] who played the same role in Tamil won South Filmfare Best Actor Award for his portrayal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chennaialerts.com/movies.php?movieid=83 |title=Kamal Haasan's life in 55 pics |publisher=Chennai Alerts |access-date=28 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912074210/http://www.chennaialerts.com/movies.php?movieid=83 |archive-date=12 September 2011 }}</ref> But the Hindi film ''[[Red Rose (1980 film)|Red Rose]]'' (1980) was seen as controversial by traditional and orthodox Hindi moviegoers and was not a commercial success.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Ravi |last=Balakrishnan |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Business_of_Bollywood/A_rose_by_any_name/articleshow/2547342.cms |title=A rose by any name |work=The Economic Times |date=17 November 2007 |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617101543/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Business_of_Bollywood/A_rose_by_any_name/articleshow/2547342.cms |archive-date=17 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Tina Munim]] and Rajesh Khanna became an on and off screen couple of the eighties with movies such as ''[[Fiffty Fiffty]]'', ''[[Souten]]'', ''[[Suraag (1982 film)|Suraag]]'', ''[[Aakhir Kyon?]]'', ''[[Bewafai]]'', ''[[Insaaf Main Karoonga]]'', ''[[Alag Alag]]'' and ''[[Adhikar (1986 film)|Adhikar]]''.<ref>'{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/28sli4.htm |title=Rajesh Khanna, the phenomenon |work=rediff.com |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410192734/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/28sli4.htm |archive-date=10 April 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ram Awatar Agnihotri wrote that Tina Munim showed the first sparks of the dedicated actress she would become in the films ''[[Alag Alag]]'' and ''[[Adhikar (1986 film)|Adhikar]]'', both with Khanna.<ref name="Agnihotri1992">{{Cite book|last=Agnihotri|first=Ram Awatar|title=Artistes and their films of modern Hindi cinema: cultural and sociopolitical impact on society, 1931–1991|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jv5kAAAAMAAJ|access-date=6 July 2010|year=1992|publisher=Commonwealth Publishers|isbn=978-81-7169-183-8|pages=92|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115134247/http://books.google.com/books?id=jv5kAAAAMAAJ|archive-date=15 November 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> His on-screen pairings with [[Shabana Azmi]], [[Smita Patil]], [[Padmini Kolhapure]] and [[Poonam Dhillon]] were also popular in the eighties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4155691&page=7 |title=Rajesh Khanna – Adieu, Rajesh Khanna… |publisher=Entertainment.in.msn.com |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507032550/http://entertainment.in.msn.com/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=4155691&page=7 |archive-date=7 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He also acted in the [[Marathi language|Marathi]] hit film ''Sundara Satarkar'' in 1981.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/chandru-sadarangani-case-baffles-marathi-filmmakers/294700/ |title=Chandru Sadarangani case baffles Marathi filmmakers |publisher=Screenindia.com |date=11 April 2008 |access-date=21 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505133024/http://www.screenindia.com/news/chandru-sadarangani-case-baffles-marathi-filmmakers/294700/ |archive-date=5 May 2009 }}</ref>
[[Kamal Haasan]] was a close friend of Khanna. Khanna starred in Hindi remakes of 3 Tamil films originally starring Kamal, and Kamal acted in 2 remakes of Khanna's films. Kamal quoted in an interview, to narrate how he experienced Khanna's stardom in an incident in 1985 – "He probably hadn't been to a public theatre since he became a star. When we reached, things were okay. He enjoyed the mediocre film (''The Swarm'') thoroughly and refused to leave until the end titles. That's when I panicked. This was Rajesh Khanna, the star of the millennium. If audiences got to know he was present there would be a stampede and blood on my hands. But Mr Khanna refused to listen. He stayed on till the end. The inevitable happened after the show. All hell broke loose as audiences realised he was there. I became Rajesh Khanna's bodyguard and security officer as I took him through the crowd. His shirt was torn, but he was enjoying himself thoroughly. He giggled and chuckled like a child."<ref>Jha, Subhash K. (29 December 2016)
Entertainment4 min read [https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/kamal-haasan-shares-memories-from-the-time-when-he-and-rajesh-khanna-were-close-friends Untold Stories: Kamal Haasan Shared A Deep Bond With Rajesh Khanna] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108105122/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/kamal-haasan-shares-memories-from-the-time-when-he-and-rajesh-khanna-were-close-friends |date=8 November 2018 }}. thequint.com</ref>
Khanna performed in successful multi-star films including ''[[Rajput]]'', ''[[Dharm Aur Qanoon]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors |title=Boxofficeindia.com |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=21 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191201/http://boxofficeindia.com/cpages.php?pageName=top_actors |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref> ''Paapi Pet Ka Sawaal Hai'', ''[[Zamana (1985 film)|Zamana]]'', ''[[Dil-E-Nadaan]]'' and ''[[Ghar Ka Chiraag]]''. He did three movies with Jeetendra: ''[[Dharam Kanta]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=188&catName=MTk4Mg== |title=Boxofficeindia.com |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=21 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100620192235/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=188&catName=MTk4Mg== |archive-date=20 June 2010 }}</ref> ''[[Nishaan (1983 film)|Nishaan]]'' and ''[[Maqsad]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=190&catName=MTk4NA== |title=Boxofficeindia.com |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=21 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918080028/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=190&catName=MTk4NA== |archive-date=18 September 2010 }}</ref> In 1984, ''[[Maqsad]]'' was the second-highest ranked film in terms of box office results, earning gross 8.5&nbsp;crores.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=190&catName=MTk4NA== |title=Boxofficeindia.com |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |access-date=18 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918080028/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=190&catName=MTk4NA== |archive-date=18 September 2010 }}</ref> In ''[[Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar]]'', Khanna played the character of a corrupt politician. Viewers praised his role in the film.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tg9lAAAAMAAJ&q=resembled |title=Social and political study of modern … |date=22 May 2008 |access-date=19 September 2011|isbn=9788171690497 |last1=Agnihotri |first1=Ram Avtar }}</ref> In 1985 he produced ''[[Alag Alag]]''. According to [[The Guardian|''The Guardian'' (UK)]], he had 11 releases as solo lead hero in the year 1985 and eight of them were hits.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/jul/29/rajesh-khanna?newsfeed=true Rajesh Khanna obituary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305024317/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/jul/29/rajesh-khanna?newsfeed=true |date=5 March 2017 }}. ''The Guardian''.</ref> In 1985, the film ''[[Bewafai]]'', with Khanna as the lead hero and [[Rajinikanth]] in a negative role, released and became a success and grossed Rs 11.95&nbsp;crore at the box office that year.<ref name="indianexpress4">{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/rajinikanths-tryst-with-bollywood-hum-andha-kanoon-chaalbaaz/#bewafaai|title=PHOTOS: Rajinikanth's tryst with Bollywood: Hum, Andha Kanoon, Chaalbaaz &#124; The Indian Express|publisher=indianexpress.com|access-date=28 June 2014|date=23 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627165031/http://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/rajinikanths-tryst-with-bollywood-hum-andha-kanoon-chaalbaaz/#bewafaai|archive-date=27 June 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Before joining politics, one of his last films as the lead hero was ''[[Swarg]]'', released in 1990. [[David Dhawan]] regards ''[[Swarg]]'' as his favourite directorial venture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Top-ten/795732/ |title=Top ten |website=The Indian Express |date=27 May 2011 |location=India |access-date=19 September 2011}}</ref> In the year 1991, he starred in films – ''[[Ghar Parivaar]]'', ''[[Rupaye Dus Karod]]'' and ''[[Begunaah]]'' as the lead hero.
He worked in films of different genres: tragedy in ''[[Babu (1985 film)|Babu]]'' as a rickshaw puller, thriller in ''[[Red Rose (1980 film)|Red Rose]]'' as a psychopath, political adventure in ''[[Awam (film)|Awam]]'', fantasy in ''[[Bundal Baaz|Bundalbaaz]]'' and ''[[Jaanwar (1982 film)|Jaanwar]]'', crime in ''[[Phir Wahi Raat|Phir Wohi Raat]]'' and ''[[Angaaray (1998 film)|Angarey]]'', suspense in ''Chakravyuha'' and ''Ittefaq'', comedy in ''Joru Ka Ghulam'', ''[[Bawarchi]]'', ''Hum Dono'' and ''[[Masterji]]'', action in ''Ashanti'' and ''Zamana'', and family dramas addressing different issues in ''Aanchal'', ''Amrit'' and ''Agar Tum Na Hote'' and films addressing issues of social concerns; ''Avtaar'', ''Naya Kadam'' and ''Akhir Kyun''.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}} He did films of different themes such as reincarnation in ''[[Kudrat (1998 film)|Kudrat]]'', spiritualism in ''[[Maalik (1972 film)|Maalik]]'' and immaturity while falling in love in ''[[Anokha Rishta]]'', ''[[Nazrana (1987 film)|Nazrana]]'' and [[Dil-e-Nadaan|''Dil E Nadan'']]. He played a variety of characters as the lead hero: a postman in ''[[Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein|Palkon Ki Chaon Mein]]'', a lawyer who proves that his senior has committed a rape 25 years earlier in ''Kudrat'', a politician in ''Aaj Ka MLA Ram Avtaar'', a young musician forced by fate to marry two women in ''Asha Jyoti'', a professional advocate in ''Awaaz'', a fisherman in ''Prem Bandhan'', a patriot in ''[[Prem Kahani (1975 film)|Prem Kahani]]'', a righteous farmer in ''[[Bandhana|Bandhan]]'' and a Muslim who falls in love with a prostitute's daughter in ''[[Mehboob Ki Mehndi|Mehboob Ki Mehendi]]''.
The main difference between him and his predecessors, successors, contemporaries was that Khanna's films ran successfully in whole of India and not just Hindi speaking areas and he did films of every genre simultaneously and has more critically acclaimed films to his credit than all other Hindi Actors of every generation.
<ref>[http://www.newsx.com/programmes/flashback/rajesh-khanna-bollywoods-original-superstar-flashback Rajesh Khanna — Bollywood’s original superstar: Flashback – | News in English NewsX] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229172442/http://www.newsx.com/programmes/flashback/rajesh-khanna-bollywoods-original-superstar-flashback |date=29 December 2017 }}. Newsx.com. Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref> Khanna was the among the few actors who could manage to strike a balance between different kinds of cinema and remain popular with both kinds of audiences –  masses and classes for displaying his craft.<ref>[http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajesh-khanna-birth-anniversary-films-balance-classes-masses-5003420/ On Rajesh Khanna’s 75th birth anniversary, remembering the actor who struck a fine balance between the masses and classes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229075713/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/rajesh-khanna-birth-anniversary-films-balance-classes-masses-5003420/ |date=29 December 2017 }}. The Indian Express (29 December 2017). Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref>
He shared close relationships with [[R. D. Burman]]<ref name="mid-day">{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/specials/2009/jan/040109-RD-Burman-15th-death-anniversary-Rajesh-Khanna-reminiscing-Play-Bollywood-Playback-Singers.htm|title=Special News, Special Stories, Special Reports, Hot News Today, Blogs, Editorial – Midday|publisher=mid-day.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130924062645/http://www.mid-day.com/specials/2009/jan/040109-RD-Burman-15th-death-anniversary-Rajesh-Khanna-reminiscing-Play-Bollywood-Playback-Singers.htm|archive-date=24 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Kishore Kumar]]. The trio were friends and have worked together in thirty-two films.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=25&ID=6523#talk |title=Rajesh Khanna's Life in Pics " Rajesh Khanna's New Amar Prem? " NDTV Movies |publisher=Movies.ndtv.com |date=29 December 1942 |access-date=19 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121013313/http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=25&ID=6523#talk |archive-date=21 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Big-B-remembers-Panchamda-on-his-birth-anniversary/Article1-232995.aspx |title=Big B remembers Panchamda on his birth anniversary |website=Hindustan Times |location=India |date=26 June 2007 |access-date=21 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615181757/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Big-B-remembers-Panchamda-on-his-birth-anniversary/Article1-232995.aspx |archive-date=15 June 2010 }}</ref> Kishore Kumar had even credited Rajesh Khanna for his resurgence, so much so that he sang for ''[[Alag Alag]]'', the first film produced by Rajesh Khanna without charging anything. In 1985 Pancham found himself being sidelined after failures of a few films, but Rajesh Khanna was among the few who continued to stand by him. Rajesh and [[Pancham da|Pancham]] worked together even after the death of Kishore in the films ''Jai Shiv Shankar'', the unreleased film ''Police Ke Peechhe Police'' (both produced by Khanna) and ''[[Sautela Bhai]]''. Khanna even helped Leena Gangully and Amit Kumar in completing ''Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein'', the last film directed by Kishore, who died before the completion of the film. R.D. Burman had quoted in an interview –  "I have always reserved the best music tunes for Kaka and I dont feel guilty about it, as he deserves it. Although Amitabh Bachchan was a fine actor, it will be Kaka who would be remembered forever and stay immortal".<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/remembering-rajesh-khanna-on-his-70th-birth-anniversary-dr-mukesh-hariawala-reminisces-nostalgic-rendezvous-with-kaka-419153 Remembering Rajesh Khanna on His 70th Birth Anniversary: Dr Mukesh Hariawala Reminisces Nostalgic Rendezvous with Kaka – IBTimes India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807195024/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/remembering-rajesh-khanna-on-his-70th-birth-anniversary-dr-mukesh-hariawala-reminisces-nostalgic-rendezvous-with-kaka-419153 |date=7 August 2017 }}. Ibtimes.co.in (29 December 2012). Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref>
Pyarelal of the [[Laxmikant–Pyarelal]] duo quoted in an interview that "Rajesh Khanna was lucky for us and we were lucky for him too. From the 1969 film ''[[Do Raaste]]'' to the 1986 film ''Amrit'', we gave hits together both as films and as music scores.... When we went on our first overseas concert tour in 1984, he came and danced to three songs. He was very particular about his music and would take a tape home if he could not assess a song. He would then give his feedback after a day or two. But if he liked a song at the sitting, he would loudly shout "Wah! Wah!" in appreciation.... It was God's blessing that we came up with such a vast range of hit songs for him, including in his home productions ''[[Roti (1974 film)|Roti]]'' and films like ''[[Sachaa Jhutha]]'', ''[[Chhailla Babu]]'', ''[[Chakravyuha (1978 film)|Chakravyuha]]'', ''[[Fiffty Fiffty]]'', ''[[Amar Deep (1979 film)|Amar Deep]]'', ''[[Bandish (1980 Indian film)|Bandish]]'', ''[[Asha Jyoti]]'' and ''[[Anurodh]]''. Incidentally, he had a stake in ''[[Mehboob Ki Mehndi]]'' too.<ref name="screenindia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/the-original-superstar-rajesh-khanna/327356/ |title=The original superstar – Rajesh Khanna |publisher=Screenindia.com |access-date=21 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125132006/http://www.screenindia.com/news/the-original-superstar-rajesh-khanna/327356/ |archive-date=25 January 2010 }}</ref> He had great interest in music and a terrific sense of melody too. His music is dominated by Pancham (R.D. Burman) and us and we accepted Shakti Samanta's ''[[Anurodh]]'' only because Rajesh Khanna had some misunderstanding with Pancham then, and did not want to work with him."<ref name="screenindia.com" /> Khanna would always request music directors to fit in Kishore Kumar wherever possible. In fact, Kishore was very reluctant to sing "Waada Tera Waada" in ''[[Dushman (1972 film)|Dushman]]'' and suggested to Laxmikant-Pyarelal to get it sung by Rafi. Then Laxmikant made Kishore meet Rajesh Khanna and Khanna winked at Laxmikant and told Kishore that in that case the song should be scrapped. On hearing this, Kishore immediately agreed to sing it by himself for Khanna.<ref name="screenindia.com" />
Actors who were part of the cast of most of his films include [[Ashok Kumar]], [[Sujit Kumar]], [[Prem Chopra]], [[Madan Puri]], [[Asrani]], [[Bindu (actress)|Bindu]], [[Vijay Arora]], Roopesh Kumar, [[Dina Pathak]] and [[A. K. Hangal]], who remained part of his "working team" from the start until the late eighties. The lyricist whom he preferred for his movies was [[Anand Bakshi]]. Films by [[Shakti Samanta]] with Khanna in the lead, music by [[Pancham da|Pancham]] and lyrics by [[Anand Bakshi]] had people swooning. The films Samanta directed without Khanna in the eighties were duds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090411/ttlife1.htm |title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – The Tribune Lifestyle |website=The Tribune |location=India |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308232329/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090411/ttlife1.htm |archive-date=8 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/Golden-banner/333458/ |title=Golden banner |publisher=Screenindia.com |access-date=28 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129052828/http://www.screenindia.com/news/Golden-banner/333458/ |archive-date=29 January 2011 }}</ref> His other close friends from the film industry include [[Raj Babbar]], [[J. Om Prakash]], [[Prem Chopra]] and [[D. Ramanaidu|D. Rama Naidu]]<ref>{{Cite news|first=Suresh |last=Kavirayani |date=20 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-20/news-interviews/32748297_1_rajesh-khanna-dimple-kaka |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104023051/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-20/news-interviews/32748297_1_rajesh-khanna-dimple-kaka |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Dimple, Rajesh's suite for their 1st anniversary was decorated by me: D Ramanaidu |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=21 July 2012}}</ref> and [[Jeetendra]].
Celebrities of the post-2000 era, like [[Madhur Bhandarkar]], say that they take at least three or four turns in Carter Road at that time, just to see Khanna. The younger generation stars like [[Imran Khan (Bollywood actor)|Imran Khan]] still regard Rajesh Khanna as someone who would take the top slot as the most romantic hero of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topnews.in/rajesh-khanna-most-romantic-hero-indian-cinema-says-imran-khan-2265436 |title=Rajesh Khanna Is The Most Romantic Hero Of Indian Cinema, Says Imran Khan &#124; TopNews |publisher=Topnews.in |date=24 June 2010 |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013221047/http://www.topnews.in/rajesh-khanna-most-romantic-hero-indian-cinema-says-imran-khan-2265436 |archive-date=13 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shah Rukh Khan]] idolises Rajesh Khanna and has opined; "Rajesh Khanna, you can't touch".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?235838 |title=Films Are For Entertainment, Messages Are for the Post Office |publisher=outlookindia.com |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211052508/http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?235838 |archive-date=11 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Anupam Kher]] said "Kishore Kumar, [[Sanjeev Kumar]], S. D. Burman, R. D. Burman, Rajesh Khanna and [[Smita Patil]] changed the face of Indian cinema. They're remembered by the films that they did."<ref name="bhaskar">{{cite web|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/ENT----i-miss-yash-chopra-everyday----anupam-kher-4204444-NOR.html|title=I miss Yash Chopra everyday: Anupam Kher – daily.bhaskar.com|publisher=daily.bhaskar.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222002028/http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/ENT----i-miss-yash-chopra-everyday----anupam-kher-4204444-NOR.html|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Actor [[Tom Alter]] confessed "I still dream of being Rajesh Khanna. For me, in the early 1970s, he was the only hero – romantic to the core, not larger than life, so Indian and real – he was my hero; the reason I came into films and he still is."<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2009/07/12/stories/2009071250040200.htm | location=Chennai, India | title=I still dream of being Rajesh Khanna | date=12 July 2009 | access-date=27 September 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717101015/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2009/07/12/stories/2009071250040200.htm | archive-date=17 July 2009 | work=[[The Hindu]] | url-status=dead }}</ref> Actor [[Irrfan Khan]] stated in an interview, "The kind of craze witnessed by Rajesh Khanna has not been duplicated by anyone. He was the biggest and the most real star Bollywood has produced. I'd say stardom is that feeling of being possessed by your idol; you are so overwhelmed with euphoria you lose touch with reality."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?237473 |title=Hall Of Mirrors |publisher=outlookindia.com |date=19 May 2008 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127132859/http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?237473 |archive-date=27 January 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> The trend of wearing guru kurtas and belts on shirts became famous in the seventies and eighties because of Khanna.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/3005-11.html?from=movies |title=Namak Haraam : Birthday Bumps : Rajesh Khanna |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=19 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014023648/http://ibnlive.in.com/photogallery/3005-11.html?from=movies |archive-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Javed Akhtar|Javed Akhthar]], in an interview, told about his experience with Khanna's stardom: "Bangalore used to have a state lottery and the government asked him to draw the lucky number. They organised it in a stadium. I was with him as we were discussing some scripts. I don't know if I will experience that again, the sound of 50,000 people gasping (when they saw him). He was like Caesar. It was unbelievable".<ref name="indianexpress3">{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/creating-the-angry-young-man-was-not-a-conscious-decision/1120627/3|title='Creating the angry young man was not a conscious decision' – Indian Express|date=26 May 2013|publisher=indianexpress.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613011703/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/creating-the-angry-young-man-was-not-a-conscious-decision/1120627/3|archive-date=13 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Actor [[Salman Khan]] has told in many interviews that he or Aamir or Shahrukh have not even achieved 10 percent of kind of achievements Khanna had in field of acting or his stardom.<ref>[https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/weve-not-achieved-even-10-per-cent-of-rajesh-khannas/articleshow/58985556.cms Salman Khan: We've not achieved even 10 per cent of Rajesh Khanna's stardom | Hindi Movie News – Times of India]. M.timesofindia.com (4 June 2017). Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref>
=== 1990–2011 ===
While serving as Congress [[Member of Parliament|M.P.]] from 1991 to 1996, he returned to acting, playing the lead in ''[[Khudai]]'' (1994), which was about a father and son both falling in love with the same woman. In 1990, Khanna also worked in the blockbuster [[Swarg]] starring [[Govinda]] & [[Juhi Chawla]], where he was seen portraying a patron to the character played by the lead. After 1992, he appeared in only 10 films and declined most film offers. He made a comeback as an [[non-resident Indian|NRI]] in ''[[Aa Ab Laut Chalen]]'' (1999), and ''[[Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa]]'' (2002) and played the solo lead in the films ''[[Sautela Bhai]]'' in 1996, ''[[Pyaar Zindagi Hai|Pyar Zindagi Hai]]'' in 2001, ''Kaash Mere Hote'' in 2009, ''Wafaa'' in 2008 and ''Riyasaat'' in 2010. He did 4 television serials in the period 2000–2009.
He appeared in a rare interview in the show ''[[Aap Ki Adalat]]'' in 1992, where he quoted to the interviewer [[Rajat Sharma]],
"I would just ask if I am arrogant, how come all these producers made so many films with me. My fans who turned this actor into a superstar would have never accepted me if I was arrogant. If I was arrogant people would not have made me a Lok Sabha member because if someone is arrogant, that arrogance is visible. And this public knows everything and understand everything".<ref>[http://amp.ibtimes.co.in/was-indias-first-superstar-rajesh-khann-arrogant-know-legend-himself-his-birth-anniversary-754939 Was India's first superstar Rajesh Khanna ARROGANT? Know from the legend himself on his birth anniversary &#91;VIDEO&#93; – IBTimes India&#93;. Amp.ibtimes.co.in (30 December 2017). Retrieved on 8 November 2018] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227213710/http://amp.ibtimes.co.in/was-indias-first-superstar-rajesh-khann-arrogant-know-legend-himself-his-birth-anniversary-754939 |date=27 February 2018 }}</ref>
Khanna was a life member of the International Film And Television Research Centre, the International Film And Television Club and the [[Asian Academy of Film & Television]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=32&ID=6523#talk |title=Rajesh Khanna's Life in Pics " Rajesh Khanna's New Amar Prem? " NDTV Movies |publisher=Movies.ndtv.com |date=29 December 1942 |access-date=19 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121013309/http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=32&ID=6523#talk |archive-date=21 January 2012 }}</ref> He was Faculty Guest of "Specialised Cinema Courses At Asian School Of Media Studies". On 10 April 1999 Khanna inaugurated the live concert of [[S. P. Balasubrahmanyam]], held at [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium]], [[Hyderabad]] as a tribute to [[R. D. Burman]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themusicmagazine.com/yehshaam.html |title=India's hit music e-zine |magazine=The Music Magazine |date=10 April 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928073708/http://www.themusicmagazine.com/yehshaam.html|archive-date=28 September 2011|access-date=28 November 2011}}</ref> In 2001 and 2002, Rajesh played the lead in two television serials: ''Aapne Parai'' (B4U and DD Metro) and ''Ittefaq'' (Zee TV).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/interviews/y2k3/actor/divyadutta.htm |title=Indian television dot com's Interview with TV Actor : Interview with actor Divya Dutta |publisher=Indiantelevision.com |date=10 May 2003 |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622071404/http://www.indiantelevision.com/interviews/y2k3/actor/divyadutta.htm |archive-date=22 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> He performed in a video album based on Tagore's songs (Rabindra Sangeet) without payment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=23&ID=6523#talk |title=Rajesh Khanna's Life in Pics " Rajesh Khanna's New Amar Prem? |publisher=NDTV Movies |date=29 December 1942 |access-date=19 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121013305/http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=23&ID=6523#talk |archive-date=21 January 2012 }}</ref> He also endorsed ''Star se Superstar tak'' – a talent hunt programme in 2007 and donated a Gold Trophy of Rs.1&nbsp;crore. In its Silver Jubilee Episode on 14–15 March 2008, ''K for Kishore'' aired a Rajesh Khanna special. He signed on to star in a TV serial with Creative Eye Banner, (Dhiraj Kumar) in 2007, and in 2008 performed in a TV serial, ''Bhabhima'', with Leena Ganguly as his co-star. His successful TV serial ''[[Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi]]'' began in November 2008 and ended in September 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title= Rajesh Khanna signs 8 films |url= http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2682478.cms |date= 8 January 2008 |work= Times of India |location= India |access-date= 7 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100117191810/http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2682478.cms |archive-date= 17 January 2010 |df= dmy-all }}</ref> Khanna cited the lack of good roles for actors like him in films as the reason for him not appearing much in films after 2001. He said in an interview on being queried about his decision to do TV serials: "The reach of TV is much more than cinema today and one episode of my serial is likely to be watched by more people than a super-hit film".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/780005.stm |title=SOUTH ASIA &#124; Bollywood stars turn to TV |work=BBC News |date=6 June 2000 |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621165419/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/780005.stm |archive-date=21 June 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, on his 67th birthday, [[Shemaroo Entertainment]] released his films and a song collection titled ''Screen Legends-Rajesh Khanna-the Original Superstar''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Shemaroo-celebrates-Superstar-Rajesh-Khannas-67th-Birthday/4741831325 |title=Shemaroo celebrates Superstar Rajesh Khanna's 67th Birthday |publisher=Indiainfoline.com |access-date=21 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614120357/http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Shemaroo-celebrates-Superstar-Rajesh-Khannas-67th-Birthday/4741831325 |archive-date=14 June 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2012, [[Havells]], the fan making company endorsed Khanna as Brand Ambassador for their new ad campaign featuring him in solo advertisements.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Havells fans ropes in Bollywood's first superstar Rajesh Khanna for latest advertisement|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/advertising/havells-fans-ropes-in-bollywoods-first-superstar-rajesh-khanna-for-latest-advertisement/articleshow/12956307.cms|date=2 May 2012|work=Economic Times|location=India|access-date=2 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714165903/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/services/advertising/havells-fans-ropes-in-bollywoods-first-superstar-rajesh-khanna-for-latest-advertisement/articleshow/12956307.cms|archive-date=14 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Political and business career ==
At the insistence of [[Rajiv Gandhi]], he started campaigning for [[Indian National Congress|Congress]] after 1984.<ref name="intoday">{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/life-and-times-of-bollywood-superstar-rajesh-khanna/1/7433.html#photo6|title=Rajesh Khanna: The box office badshah|publisher=indiatoday.intoday.in|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420014640/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/life-and-times-of-bollywood-superstar-rajesh-khanna/1/7433.html#photo6|archive-date=20 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In the election for New Delhi seat in the 1991 Lok Sabha election, Khanna lost to [[L. K. Advani|L.K. Advani]] by a narrow margin of 1589 votes, after which Khanna stood on the grounds at the counting station insisting that he had been cheated of a win.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/india/32746349_1_l-k-advani-bjp-veteran-rajesh-khanna | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411043815/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/india/32746349_1_l-k-advani-bjp-veteran-rajesh-khanna | url-status=dead | archive-date=11 April 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=How Rajesh Khanna almost ended Advani's career in 1991}}</ref> In 1992, a [[1992 New Delhi by-election|by-election]] was called after the resignation of the incumbent Member of Parliament [[L.K. Advani]]. Khanna contested the seat again, won the by-election by defeating [[Shatrughan Sinha]] by 25,000 votes.<ref name="dnaindia">{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/comment_jatin-the-sole-custodian-of-his-own-avatar-rajesh-khanna_1716769|title=Jatin: The sole custodian of his own avatar Rajesh Khanna|publisher=dnaindia.com|access-date=27 May 2014|date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722012500/http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/comment_jatin-the-sole-custodian-of-his-own-avatar-rajesh-khanna_1716769|archive-date=22 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> Rajesh Khanna was a member of Parliament for the [[Indian National Congress]], from the [[New Delhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|New Delhi]] constituency, where he won the 1992 by-election, retaining his seat until 1996 after which he was not interested in active politics. When Khanna was MP, he did not accept new acting assignments, but only acted in the film ''[[Khudai]]'' (1994).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-28/news-interviews/30673284_1_vinod-khanna-rajesh-khanna-bjp-mp |title=Corrupt politicians should be jailed, says Rajesh Khanna |date=28 January 2012 |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129212948/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-28/news-interviews/30673284_1_vinod-khanna-rajesh-khanna-bjp-mp |archive-date=29 January 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=dead }}</ref> After leaving parliament, he was a political activist for the INC and campaigned for the party till the [[2012 elections in India|2012 Punjab election]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_bollywood-actor-rajesh-khanna-in-amritsar-for-congress-campaign_1642844 |title=Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna in Amritsar for Congress campaign – India – DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=28 January 2012 |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320032621/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_bollywood-actor-rajesh-khanna-in-amritsar-for-congress-campaign_1642844 |archive-date=20 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Khanna and a group of foreign investors bought land in [[Shirdi]] in which built a religious resort for disciples of [[Sai Baba of Shirdi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2009/oct/261009-rajesh-khanna-shirdi-resort.htm |title=Rajesh Khanna is planning a multi-crore resort in Shirdi |publisher=Mid-day.com |date=26 October 2009 |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109052335/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2009/oct/261009-rajesh-khanna-shirdi-resort.htm |archive-date=9 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Personal life ==
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Khanna fell in love with the then fashion designer and actress [[Anju Mahendru]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/28sli1.htm |title=Rajesh Khanna, the phenomenon |work=Rediff.com |date=December 2007 |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721001519/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/dec/28sli1.htm |archive-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> They were in a relationship for seven years. Khanna's sudden stardom and his insistence that Mahendru quit her acting career eventually ended their relationship.<ref name="Usman, Yasser 2014">{{cite book |last1=Usman |first1=Yasser |title=Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar |date=2014 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-93-5118-875-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xhK0BQAAQBAJ&q=Rajesh+Khanna:+The+Untold+Story+of+India%27s+First+Superstar+usman |access-date=11 August 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Mahendru states that the couple did not speak to each other for 17 years after the break-up.<ref name="screenindia">{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/section/entertainment/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304135336/http://www.screenindia.com/old/fullstory.php?content_id=7148|url-status=dead|title=Entertainment News: Latest Hollywood & Bollywood News, Movies Releases & Reviews|archive-date=4 March 2010|website=The Indian Express|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> Later Khanna married the budding actress [[Dimple Kapadia]] in March 1973, before Kapadia's debut film ''[[Bobby (1973 film)|Bobby]]'' released in September that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/%0Amovies/2002/sep/13dinesh.htm |title=The different avatars of Rajesh Khanna |website=Rediff.com |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723033617/http://www.rediff.com/%0Amovies/2002/sep/13dinesh.htm |archive-date=23 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>  Khanna and Kapadia have two daughters from the marriage; [[Twinkle Khanna|Twinkle]] and [[Rinke Khanna|Rinke]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/sep/08dimple.htm |title=Dimple: A Most Unusual Woman |work=Rediff.com |access-date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107025751/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/sep/08dimple.htm |archive-date=7 November 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> Khanna and Kapadia separated in 1982, but never completed the divorce proceedings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=4&ID=6523#talk |title=Rajesh Khanna's life in pics " NDTV Movies |publisher=Movies.ndtv.com |date=29 December 1942 |access-date=28 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108065551/http://movies.ndtv.com/PhotoDetail.aspx?Page=4&ID=6523#talk |archive-date=8 January 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://flashnewstoday.com/index.php/rajesh-dimple-complicated/ |title=Flash News Today |publisher=Flashnewstoday.com |date=13 September 2010 |access-date=28 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422182805/http://flashnewstoday.com/index.php/rajesh-dimple-complicated/ |archive-date=22 April 2012 }}</ref> According to Yasser Usman's biography of Khanna, the couple separated because Kapadia wished to return to acting. She had quit acting when she married Khanna since the latter wanted his partner to be a housewife. A few years after their marriage Kapadia decided to resume her career. However, Khanna remained adamant that his wife will not work. Kapadia eventually left Khanna and started her career in films. In the 1980s, [[Tina Munim]] was in love with Rajesh Khanna. Munim had been a fan of Rajesh since her school days.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/news-interviews/32731358_1_rajesh-khanna-kakaji-tina-munim | title=End of an era: Rajesh Khanna 1942–2012 | access-date=5 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203040051/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/news-interviews/32731358_1_rajesh-khanna-kakaji-tina-munim | archive-date=3 December 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref> They appeared in ten films together between 1981 and 1986. According to website Bollywood Mantra reporter,  Khanna refused to marry her as their marriage would have a bad impact on his daughters. Khanna and Kapadia however maintained an amicable relationship where they both were seen together at parties and family functions. Kapadia also campaigned for Khanna's election and worked in his film ''Jai Shiv Shankar'' (1990),<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-13/news-interviews/28233934_1_randhir-kapoor-divorce-raj-kapoor | first1=Seema | last1=Sinha | title=Rajesh-Dimple: Complicated! | date=13 September 2010 | access-date=29 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013170708/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-13/news-interviews/28233934_1_randhir-kapoor-divorce-raj-kapoor | archive-date=13 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref> although the film never got released. After Tina Munim's exit, Khanna resumed his friendship with Anju Mahendru.<ref name="Usman, Yasser 2014" />
Khanna's elder daughter Twinkle Khanna, an interior decorator and a former film actress, is married to actor [[Akshay Kumar]], while his younger daughter [[Rinke Khanna]], also a former Hindi film actress,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20081022114050/http://www.screenindia.com/old/20020426/fcover.html Hits and misses]. screenindia.com</ref> is married to a London-based investment banker Samir Saran.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/mar/27sld2.htm |title=rediff.com, Movies: Jhankaar Beats: R D Burman comes alive... again! |work=Rediff.com |date=8 February 2003 |access-date=28 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024164020/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/mar/27sld2.htm |archive-date=24 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 July 2012, a woman named Anita Advani claimed that she had been Khanna's live-in partner, and sent a legal notice to his family members asking for compensation.<ref>[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-21/news-interviews/32776430_1_rajesh-khanna-anita-advani-legal-notice Woman claims she was Rajesh Khanna's live-in partner, wants house and compensation – Times Of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722180642/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-21/news-interviews/32776430_1_rajesh-khanna-anita-advani-legal-notice |date=22 July 2012 }}. Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com (21 July 2012).</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/rajesh-khannas-ladylove-anita-advani-demands-kakas-property_115625.html/ Rajesh Khanna’s ‘ladylove’ Anita Advani demands Kaka’s property] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724035510/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/rajesh-khannas-ladylove-anita-advani-demands-kakas-property_115625.html |date=24 July 2012 }}. Zeenews.india.com.</ref> The family denied the claims.<ref>[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-09/mumbai/33117636_1_rajesh-khanna-legal-notice-anita-advani Anita Advani not Rajesh Khanna ’s lover: Family – Times Of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921052619/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-09/mumbai/33117636_1_rajesh-khanna-legal-notice-anita-advani |date=21 September 2013 }}. Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com (9 August 2012).</ref><ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/anita-advani-and-rajesh-khanna-werent-lovers_116890.htm Anita Advani and Rajesh Khanna weren’t lovers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811235610/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/anita-advani-and-rajesh-khanna-werent-lovers_116890.htm |date=11 August 2012 }}. Zeenews.india.com.</ref>
His closest friends from the industry included [[Raj Kapoor]], [[Dilip Kumar]], [[Mumtaz (actress)|Mumtaz]], [[Shashi Kapoor]], [[Sanjeev Kumar]], [[Kishore Kumar]], [[R. D. Burman|R.D. Burman]], [[Anand Bakshi]], [[Sharmila Tagore]], [[D. Rama Naidu]], [[Prem Chopra]], [[Manoj Kumar]], [[Ashok Kumar]] and [[Jeetendra]]. He also maintained cordial relationships with [[Asha Parekh]], [[Zeenat Aman]], [[Dev Anand]], [[Yash Chopra]], [[Dharmendra]], [[Hema Malini]], [[Rishi Kapoor]] and [[Rakesh Roshan]]. In his later years, he became friendlier with [[Amitabh Bachchan]], who was billed as his main rival in the 1970s and 1980s. Khanna, although ruled the hearts of millions of people, somewhere down the lane he's termed "conservative", "reticent" & "despondent". But he was also known as a robinhood, good-hearted & jolly fellow by his close friends & co-actors
== Illness and death ==
[[File:Rajesh Khanna's funeral 14.jpg|thumb|Khanna's funeral procession in [[Mumbai]] on 19 July 2012]]
{{Commons category|Rajesh Khanna's funeral}}
In June 2012, it was reported that Rajesh Khanna's health had been deteriorating for some time.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Rajesh-Khanna-unwell-stops-food-intake/articleshow/14314990.cms | title=Rajesh Khanna unwell, stops food intake | date=21 June 2012 | work=The Times Of India | access-date=21 June 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621121753/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Rajesh-Khanna-unwell-stops-food-intake/articleshow/14314990.cms | archive-date=21 June 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-20/news-interviews/32335115_1_rajesh-khanna-rinke-khanna-dimple-kapadia | title=Estranged kin rally around ailing Rajesh Khanna | date=20 June 2012 | access-date=29 June 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011055143/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-20/news-interviews/32335115_1_rajesh-khanna-rinke-khanna-dimple-kapadia | archive-date=11 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | url-status=dead }}</ref> On 23 June he was admitted to [[Lilavati Hospital]] in [[Mumbai]] due to health complications. He was discharged on 8 July from the hospital and was reportedly fine.<ref>{{Cite news| url= http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rajesh-khanna-discharged-from-hospital/971783/| title= Rajesh Khanna discharged from hospital|work=Indian Express| date= 8 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url= http://www.indianexpress.com/news/stable-rajesh-khanna-undergoes-tests-at-hospital/968686/0| title='Stable' Rajesh Khanna undergoes tests at hospital | date=30 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Rajesh-Khanna-doing-fine-to-be-discharged-soon/articleshow/14406229.cms| title= Rajesh Khanna doing fine, to be discharged soon
| date=26 June 2012 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-22/news-interviews/32367685_1_rajesh-khanna-superstar-days-rumours| title= Rajesh Khanna waves at fans, dispels talks of ill health| date= 22 June 2012| access-date= 29 June 2013| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130527144846/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-22/news-interviews/32367685_1_rajesh-khanna-superstar-days-rumours| archive-date= 27 May 2013| work= [[The Times of India]]| url-status= dead}}</ref>
On 14 July, Khanna was readmitted to the [[Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre|Lilavati Hospital]], but was discharged on 16 July.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Superstar Rajesh Khanna passes away|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/superstar-rajesh-khanna-passes-away_115495.htm|access-date=18 July 2012|newspaper=Zee News|date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721070447/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/superstar-rajesh-khanna-passes-away_115495.htm|archive-date=21 July 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-14/mumbai/32674394_1_exhaustion-and-weakness-rajesh-khanna-lilavati-hospital| title=Rajesh Khanna admitted to hospital again.| date=14 July 2012| access-date=29 June 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717021057/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-14/mumbai/32674394_1_exhaustion-and-weakness-rajesh-khanna-lilavati-hospital| archive-date=17 July 2012| work=[[The Times of India]]| url-status=dead}}</ref> He died on 18 July 2012, at his bungalow, Aashirwad, in Mumbai. Sources confirmed that his health had been deteriorating since July 2011 as he was diagnosed with cancer.<ref>[http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/rajesh-khanna-was-suffering-from-cancer-for-the-past-one-year_115624.htm Rajesh Khanna was suffering from cancer for the past year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723000345/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/rajesh-khanna-was-suffering-from-cancer-for-the-past-one-year_115624.htm |date=23 July 2012 }}. Zeenews.india.com.</ref><ref>[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2012/rajesh-khanna-last-wish-097591.html Rajesh Khanna's last wish!! | News – Oneindia Entertainment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222041606/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/news/2012/rajesh-khanna-last-wish-097591.html |date=22 February 2014 }}. Entertainment.oneindia.in (20 July 2012).</ref> After his death his co-star [[Mumtaz (actress)|Mumtaz]] said that he was suffering from cancer for the duration of the prior year and had undergone chemotherapy sessions.<ref>[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rajesh-khanna-was-very-close-to-me-mumtaz/976166/ Rajesh Khanna was very close to me: Mumtaz]. Indian Express (18 July 2012).</ref> His funeral took place on 19 July at 11:00.<ref name="ht" /> His funeral was attended by 9&nbsp;lakh people and his fans had come from places like [[Surat]], [[Ahmedabad]], and even from foreign countries as well.<ref>[http://www.filmfare.com/features/rajesh-khannas-rooh-is-still-in-aashirwad-9782.html Rajesh Khanna’s rooh is still in Aashirwad] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721052707/http://www.filmfare.com/features/rajesh-khannas-rooh-is-still-in-aashirwad-9782.html |date=21 July 2015 }}. filmfare.com. Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref><ref name="rediff">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-fans-bid-goodbye-to-rajesh-khanna/20120719.htm|title=PIX: Fans bid goodbye to Rajesh Khanna – Rediff.com Movies|work=rediff.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221162946/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-fans-bid-goodbye-to-rajesh-khanna/20120719.htm|archive-date=21 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Police had to resort to lathi-charge to control the crowd of fans who had gathered for the procession from his Bandra house to the crematorium.<ref name="in2">{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lathicharge-at-actor-rajesh-khannas-funeral/272205-8-66.html|title=Lathicharge at actor Rajesh Khanna's funeral – IBNLive|publisher=ibnlive.in.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222200645/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lathicharge-at-actor-rajesh-khannas-funeral/272205-8-66.html|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref name="india1">{{cite web |url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/rajesh-khanna-indias-first-superstar-no-more_115495.htm |title=Rajesh Khanna, India's first superstar, no more |website=Zeenews.india.com |access-date=21 July 2012 |date=18 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721070432/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/rajesh-khanna-indias-first-superstar-no-more_115495.htm |archive-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiavision.com/news/article/topnews/325929/rajesh-khanna-died-because-of-liver-infection/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126213657/http://www.indiavision.com/news/article/topnews/325929/rajesh-khanna-died-because-of-liver-infection/|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2013|title=Rajesh Khanna died because of liver infection|date=19 July 2012|publisher=Indiavision news}}</ref> His pyre was lit by his grandson, Aarav, with the assistance of [[Akshay Kumar]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Grandson-Aarav-lights-Rajesh-Khannas-pyre/articleshow/15040978.cms | title=Grandson Aarav lights Rajesh Khanna's pyre | date=19 July 2012 | work=The Times Of India | access-date=19 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720162046/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Grandson-Aarav-lights-Rajesh-Khannas-pyre/articleshow/15040978.cms | archive-date=20 July 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiavision.com/news/article/entertainment/325902/grandson-aarav-lights-rajesh-khannas-pyre/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126044135/http://www.indiavision.com/news/article/entertainment/325902/grandson-aarav-lights-rajesh-khannas-pyre/|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 January 2013|title=Grandson Aarav lights Rajesh Khanna's pyre|date=19 July 2012|publisher=Indiavision news}}</ref> [[Amitabh Bachchan]] cited that Rajesh Khanna's last words were "Time is up, Pack up".<ref>[http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/rajesh-khanna-signed-off-with-time-is-up/1024638.html Rajesh Khanna signed off with 'Time is up', IBN Live News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722052219/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/rajesh-khanna-signed-off-with-time-is-up/1024638.html |date=22 July 2012 }}. Ibnlive.in.com (19 July 2012).</ref><ref>[http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rajesh-khannas-last-words-were-pack-up/272201-8-66.html Rajesh Khanna's last words: 'Time up ho gaya, pack up' – Movies News – Bollywood – ibnlive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722000109/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rajesh-khannas-last-words-were-pack-up/272201-8-66.html |date=22 July 2012 }}. Ibnlive.in.com (19 July 2012).</ref> In his special pre-recorded message to his family, friends and fans which was played on his "chautha", he thanked and saluted his friends and fans for the love they showered on him and also shared as to how he became a successful actor without having any godfather behind him.<ref>[https://m.livehindustan.com/entertainment/story-rajesh-khanna-death-anniversary-last-message-before-death-2075821.html rajesh khanna death anniversary last message before death – पुण्यतिथि: मरने से पहले ये था राजेश खन्ना का आखिरी मैसेज, यूं मिला था फिल्मों में मौका, Entertainment Hindi News – Hindustan]. M.livehindustan.com (18 July 2018). Retrieved on 8 November 2018.</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Rajesh-Khanna-thanks-salutes-fans-in-recorded-message/Article1-895273.aspx| title= Rajesh Khanna thanks, salutes fans in recorded message| date= 25 July 2012| url-status=dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120726074221/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Rajesh-Khanna-thanks-salutes-fans-in-recorded-message/Article1-895273.aspx| archive-date= 26 July 2012| df= dmy-all}}</ref> On 25 July 2012, his ashes were immersed in the [[Ganges]] at [[Rishikesh]], [[Uttarakhand]] by his wife [[Dimple Kapadia]] and daughter [[Rinke Khanna]].<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rajesh-khannas-ashes-immersed-in-ganges/979319/ |title=Rajesh Khanna's ashes immersed in Ganges| date= 25 July 2012}}</ref>
== Influence and legacy ==
The [[President of India]], [[Pratibha Patil]] lamented the passing away of the actor. In a press release she said "I am saddened to learn about the passing away of Rajesh Khanna. In his prime as an actor he was the heartthrob of the young generation of 1970s, who tried to model themselves on him and his style."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presidentofindia.nic.in/pr180712.html |title=PRESIDENT OF INDIA CONDOLES PASSING AWAY OF RAJESH KHANNA |date=18 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722091548/http://www.presidentofindia.nic.in/pr180712.html |archive-date=22 July 2012 }}</ref>  Many celebrities also paid homage to him after his death.<ref name="ht" /><ref name="hindustantimes3">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-Entertainment/celebspayhomage/Article4-891355.aspx|title=Salman Khan surrounded by a crowd outside Rajesh Khanna's house|publisher=Hindustan Times|access-date=27 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313022819/http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-Entertainment/celebspayhomage/Article4-891355.aspx|archive-date=13 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.gulfnews.com/bollywood-stars-visit-rajesh-khanna-s-home-1.1050829|title=Bollywood stars visit Rajesh Khanna's home|publisher=m.gulfnews.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222022210/http://m.gulfnews.com/bollywood-stars-visit-rajesh-khanna-s-home-1.1050829|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> His prayer meeting, organised in a grand way at the [[Taj Hotels|Taj Land's End hotel]] in [[Bandra]], [[Mumbai]] on 21 July 2012, was attended by many.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/bollywood-prays-for-rajesh-khannas-departed-soul-386166.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526075630/http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/bollywood-prays-for-rajesh-khannas-departed-soul-386166.html |archive-date=26 May 2014 |url-status=dead |title=Bollywood turns up en masse at prayer meeting for Rajesh Khanna|access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/rajesh-khanna-prayer-meeting/1/7449.html#photo23|title=Rajesh Khanna's prayer meeting|publisher=indiatoday.intoday.in|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223011808/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/rajesh-khanna-prayer-meeting/1/7449.html#photo23|archive-date=23 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/gallery/rajesh-khanna-prayer-meeting/10/7449.html|title=Rajesh Khanna's prayer meeting|publisher=m.indiatoday.in|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222181555/http://m.indiatoday.in/gallery/rajesh-khanna-prayer-meeting/10/7449.html|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
Other celebrities who paid homage to him at his house after his death included [[Manoj Kumar]], [[Asha Parekh]], [[Ranjeet]], [[Jeetendra]], [[Rakesh Roshan]], [[Yash Chopra]], [[Randhir Kapoor]], [[Rishi Kapoor]], [[Shabana Azmi]], [[Dharmendra]], [[Vinod Khanna]], [[Asrani]], [[Prem Chopra]], [[Govinda (actor)|Govinda]], [[Salman Khan]], [[Shah Rukh Khan]], [[Aamir Khan]], [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Hema Malini]], [[Himesh Reshammiya]], [[Ram Kapoor]], [[Mahesh Thakur]], [[Aadesh Shrivastava]] and [[Sajid Khan (director)|Sajid Khan]].<ref name="ht" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-Entertainment/celebspayhomage/Article4-891355.aspx|title=Salman Khan surrounded by a crowd outside Rajesh Khanna's house|publisher=hindustantimes.com|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313022819/http://www.hindustantimes.com/photos-news/Photos-Entertainment/celebspayhomage/Article4-891355.aspx|archivedate=13 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="gulfnews">{{cite web|url=http://m.gulfnews.com/bollywood-stars-visit-rajesh-khanna-s-home-1.1050829|title=Bollywood stars visit Rajesh Khanna's home|publisher=m.gulfnews.com|accessdate=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222022210/http://m.gulfnews.com/bollywood-stars-visit-rajesh-khanna-s-home-1.1050829|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> His prayer meeting, organised in a grand way at the [[Taj Hotels|Taj Land's End hotel]] in [[Bandra]], [[Mumbai]] on 21 July 2012, was attended by many, including [[Reena Roy]], [[Padmini Kolhapure]], [[Neelam Kothari|Neelam]], [[Jaya Prada]], [[Amar Singh (politician)|Amar Singh]], [[Bindu (actress)|Bindu]], [[Poonam Dhillon]], [[Neetu Kapoor]], [[Jaya Bachchan]], [[Aamir Khan]], [[Kiran Rao]], [[Ranbir Kapoor]], [[Mithun Chakraborty|Mithun Chakraborthy]], [[Shakti Kapoor]], [[Shashi Kapoor]], [[Suresh Oberoi]], [[Parmeshwar Godrej]], [[Tabu (actress)|Tabu]], [[Sonali Bendre]] and [[Jackie Shroff]].<ref name="firstpost2">{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/bollywood-prays-for-rajesh-khannas-departed-soul-386166.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526075630/http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/bollywood-prays-for-rajesh-khannas-departed-soul-386166.html |archive-date=26 May 2014 |url-status=dead |title=Bollywood turns up en masse at prayer meeting for Rajesh Khanna|accessdate=27 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="intoday2">{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/rajesh-khanna-prayer-meeting/1/7449.html#photo23|title=Rajesh Khanna's prayer meeting|publisher=indiatoday.intoday.in|accessdate=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223011808/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/rajesh-khanna-prayer-meeting/1/7449.html#photo23|archive-date=23 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="indiatoday">{{cite web|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/gallery/rajesh-khanna-prayer-meeting/10/7449.html|title=Rajesh Khanna's prayer meeting|publisher=m.indiatoday.in|accessdate=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222181555/http://m.indiatoday.in/gallery/rajesh-khanna-prayer-meeting/10/7449.html|archive-date=22 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Shah Rukh Khan]] reacted by saying: "To live with intention and walk to the edge. Play with abandon, choose with no regret. Smile and made us do the same. Sir, you defined our era. Whenever life felt tough you made us feel how love could change it all. RIP " . [[Mumtaz (actress)|Mumtaz]] also added that she had memories of having worked with him and said that she had been crying the whole morning, but was happy that she had met the ailing Rajesh Khanna in Mumbai in June 2012, when the two discussed their respective battles with cancer.<ref name="rediff2">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/mumtaz-rajesh-khanna-was-very-close-to-me/20120718.htm|title=Mumtaz: Rajesh Khanna was very close to me – Rediff.com Movies|work=rediff.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225083815/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/mumtaz-rajesh-khanna-was-very-close-to-me/20120718.htm|archive-date=25 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> While [[Shahid Kapoor]] quoted: "RIP to the First King of Romance&nbsp;... Rajesh Khanna." [[Subhash Ghai]] added that Khanna " was the powerhouse of the Hindi film industry. I met him on the set of [[Aradhana (1969 film)|Aradhana]], he had some kind of energy and you will be charged when he is around you. His name will be written in golden words." [[Amitabh Bachchan]] was quoted as saying: "The word 'Superstar' was invented for him, and for me it shall ever remain his, and no others .. !! His generation and the generations that follow, shall never be able to describe, or understand his phenomena .. !!".<ref name="ibtimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/rajesh-khanna-dead-amitabh-bachchan-remembers-kaka-says-the-word-superstar-was-invented-for-him-364831#m6Kmig1qww3bb3pw.97|title=Rajesh Khanna Dead: Amitabh Bachchan Remembers Kaka, Says the Word 'Superstar' was Invented for Him|publisher=ibtimes.co.in|access-date=27 May 2014|date=19 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111063842/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/rajesh-khanna-dead-amitabh-bachchan-remembers-kaka-says-the-word-superstar-was-invented-for-him-364831#m6Kmig1qww3bb3pw.97|archive-date=11 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> His son-in-law [[Akshay Kumar]] told reporters about his death and added that "he has gone to a nice and heavenly place. I am happy that he has gone there and hope that everyone will pray for him." Kumar also said on a [[Facebook]] post "To Mr. Rajesh Khanna, they make very few like you, you are a father, a Legend & a very treasured man, who will never be forgotten."<ref>{{cite news |title=They make very few like you: Akshay Kumar on Rajesh Khanna |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-they-make-very-few-like-you-akshay-kumar-on-rajesh-khanna-1862692 |access-date=11 August 2020 |work=DNA India |date=18 July 2013 |language=en}}</ref>
[[Vyjayanthimala]] commented that "His death is a big loss to the industry. It's my bad luck that I didn't have the chance to work with him because he came much later. I remember when he came to [[Chennai]] for some film shoot, the college girls went crazy to catch a glimpse of him when he was going to his studio."<ref name="toi" /> [[Manna Dey]] said: "He was a great actor, truly a superstar, no doubt about it. I am honoured to have done playback for him. I have worked for him in several movies, and actors like him are a rarity."<ref>{{Cite news|date=18 July 2012|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/It-was-an-honour-to-sing-for-Rajesh-Khanna-Manna-Dey/articleshow/15030637.cms |title=It was an honour to sing for Rajesh Khanna: Manna Dey |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=21 July 2012}}</ref> [[Mrinal Sen]] recollected how Khanna had wanted to cast him in one of his films, but the latter could not manage due to date problems. "We had met several times. Once I had wanted to cast him in one of my films, but somehow that didn't work out due to his date problems."
[[Buddhadeb Dasgupta]] said Khanna's acting would continue to inspire young actors in the future. "He was a great actor and was the first superstar. He was a much bigger star than [[Amitabh Bachchan]]. His acting will continue to inspire young actors of the coming generations."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/07/18/235--Mrinal-Sen-Buddhadeb-Dasgupta-remember-Rajesh-Khanna-.html |title=Mrinal Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta remember Rajesh Khanna |website=Newstrackindia.com |access-date=21 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222170544/http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/07/18/235--Mrinal-Sen-Buddhadeb-Dasgupta-remember-Rajesh-Khanna-.html |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Rituparno Ghosh]] said: "In the film 'Anand', he delivered some of Indian cinema's most memorable dialogues. The use of the word 'Babu Moshai' by Rajesh Khanna to [[Amitabh Bachchan]], who played a [[Bengalis|Bengali]] doctor in the film, is so deeply etched in the minds of Indians that it has almost become a synonym for [[Bengalis]] for the rest of the countrymen. "In a dhoti and kurta, you showed the rest of India how truly elegant [[Bengal]] was"<ref name="timesofindia">{{Cite news|date=19 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/kolkata/32746487_1_bengali-film-rajesh-khanna-top-directors |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126124346/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-19/kolkata/32746487_1_bengali-film-rajesh-khanna-top-directors |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2013 |title=Superstar Rajesh Khanna's Bengali connection |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=21 July 2012}}</ref> Madhur Bhandarkar said, "The epitome of superstardom is no more amongst us. There was none, there is none and there won't be any like you, Kakaji."<ref name="rediff3">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-bollywood-pays-tribute-to-rajesh-khanna/20120718.htm#8|title=Bollywood pays tribute to Rajesh Khanna – Rediff.com Movies|work=rediff.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221162949/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-bollywood-pays-tribute-to-rajesh-khanna/20120718.htm#8|archive-date=21 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
Film historian S. M. M. Ausaja added: "He never acted in a [[Cinema of West Bengal|Bengali cinema]]. But right from the late 1960s to the 70s he was the top star and worked with the top directors of his era, most of whom were Bengalis."<ref name="timesofindia" /> There were also reactions from the ''Gali Tiwaria'' where his ancestral house was, and had since been converted to a temple through his donation. Songs from his movies were played as the news of his death became known. His foster brother Muni Chand Khanna said that "he used to love to play Cricket when he lived here. He was a simple boy when he lived here and led a simple life even after achieving so much."<ref name="dna">{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_relatives-remember-rajesh-khanna-in-his-birthplace-amritsar_1716655 |title=Relatives remember Rajesh Khanna in his birthplace, Amritsar – India – DNA |website=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |date=29 December 1942 |access-date=21 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721043823/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_relatives-remember-rajesh-khanna-in-his-birthplace-amritsar_1716655 |archive-date=21 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> As were the residents of [[Burewala]], [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/2805500_Pakistan-s-Burewala-city-mourns-Rajesh-Khanna-s-death |title=fullstory |website=Ptinews.com |date=29 December 1942 |access-date=21 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719161616/http://ptinews.com/news/2805500_Pakistan-s-Burewala-city-mourns-Rajesh-Khanna-s-death |archive-date=19 July 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Additionally, those within the political spectrum that offered their condolences included Prime Minister [[Manmohan Singh]], who said that he "convey[s] my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and countless fans and admirers of Shri Rajesh Khanna." INC President [[Sonia Gandhi]] also expressed her sorrow. Regional political leaders who offered their condolences included [[Chief Minister of West Bengal]] [[Mamata Banerjee]], who said: "Rajesh Khanna was always a symbol of romance. His smiling face and the ability to connect with people at ease had made him popular. We lost a big pole star in the film world today." As well as Bihar Chief Minister [[Nitish Kumar]] who added that "his death has caused irreparable loss to Hindi cinema."<ref name="ht" />
Condolences also came from Pakistan where Prime Minister [[Raja Pervaiz Ashraf]] called Khanna a "great actor whose contribution to the field of films and arts would be long remembered. [He had a] large fan following across the borders and captivated audiences with his excellent acting skills."  Ali Zafar wrote on ''Twitter'': "Rajesh Khanna – RIP. So many fond memories from his movies and songs.", while [[Syed Noor]] said: "Rajesh Khanna was such a huge actor of the subcontinent that he will be remembered by the people for many years to come. The era he reigned over is unlikely to be experienced by any other actor of this subcontinent." ''[[Geo TV]]'' also aired a nearly hour-long tribute with contributions from actors, filmmakers and musicians.<ref name="toi">{{Cite news |date=18 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/news-interviews/32730281_1_rajesh-khanna-ek-safar-hai-ke-safar-mein-guzar |title=Bollywood mourns Rajesh Khanna: 'Will miss him dearly' |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=21 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112052412/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/news-interviews/32730281_1_rajesh-khanna-ek-safar-hai-ke-safar-mein-guzar |archive-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Rajesh Khanna 2013 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|Khanna on a 2013 stamp of India]]
A postage stamp featuring Khanna was released by the [[India Post]] on 3 May 2013.<ref name="Mintage World">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mintageworld.com/stamp/detail/2821/|title=Rajesh Khanna &#124; 03-05-2013 &#124; NA &#124; Stamps &#124; Mintage World|website=www.mintageworld.com|access-date=27 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404101258/https://www.mintageworld.com/stamp/detail/2821/|archive-date=4 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On his first death anniversary, a bronze statue of Rajesh Khanna was unveiled at [[Bandra Bandstand]], Mumbai.<ref name="hindustantimes2">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Rajesh-Khanna-s-statue-unveiled-in-Mumbai/Article1-1106222.aspx|title=Rajesh Khanna's statue unveiled in Mumbai – Hindustan Times|publisher=Hindustan Times|access-date=27 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031205629/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Tabloid/Rajesh-Khanna-s-statue-unveiled-in-Mumbai/Article1-1106222.aspx|archive-date=31 October 2013}}</ref> A chowk (intersection) in [[Girgaon]] has been named "Superstar Rajesh Khanna Chowk" in his memory.<ref name=chowk>{{cite news |url=http://www.asianage.com/mumbai/soon-rajesh-khanna-chowk-girgaum-722 |title=Soon, Rajesh Khanna chowk in Girgaum |newspaper=[[The Asian Age]] |date=17 August 2015 |access-date=26 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923224110/http://www.asianage.com/mumbai/soon-rajesh-khanna-chowk-girgaum-722 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> A Park at [[Lajpat Nagar]], New Delhi has been renamed as Superstar Rajesh Khanna Park in his memory.
== Awards and nominations ==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Rajesh Khanna}}
Khanna won seven All-India Critics Association (AICA) Best Actor Awards, and received 10 nominations. He won four Best Actor Awards in the [[Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards]], and received 25 nominations. He won three [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Filmfare Best Actor Awards]], one Filmfare Special Guest Actor Award in 1973, and received a [[Filmfare Special Award]] in 1991, after 25 years in the [[Hindi cinema|Hindi film industry]]. He received the [[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award]] at the 50th anniversary [[Filmfare Awards]] ceremony in 2005. He also received the [[IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award|IIFA Lifetime Achievement award]] in 2009.
== Filmography ==
{{Main|Rajesh Khanna filmography}}
=== Producer ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#CCC; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Film !!Director
|-
| 1985
| ''[[Alag Alag]]''
|[[Shakti Samanta]]
|-
| 1989
| ''Police Ke Peeche Police''
|[[B. R. Ishara|B.R Ishara]]
|-
| 1990
| ''Jai Shiv Shankar''
|[[S. A. Chandrasekhar]]
|}
=== Co-producer ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#CCC; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Film !! Worldwide Gross
|-
| 1971
| ''[[Mehboob Ki Mehndi]]''
| 2,80,00,000<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120227073851/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=177&catName=MTk3MQ== Box Office 1971]. Boxofficeindia.com.</ref>
|-
|1974
| ''[[Roti (1974 film)|Roti]]''
| 4,00,00,000<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131020121213/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=180&catName=MTk3NA== Box Office 1974]. Boxofficeindia.com.</ref>
|-
|1995
| ''[[Barsaat (1995 film)|Barsaat]]''
| 19,25,00,000<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090130220613/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=201&catName=MTk5NQ== Box Office 1995]. Boxofficeindia.com.</ref>
|}
=== Playback singer ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#CCC; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Song !! Film !! Co-singer !! Source
|-
| 1967
| "O Mere Sajna O Mere Balma"
| ''[[Baharon Ke Sapne]]''
| With Lata Mangeshkar
|
|-
|1974
| "Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein"
| ''[[Ajanabee (1974 film)|Ajanabee]]''
| With Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar
|
|-
| 1969
| "Baagon Mein Bahaar Hai"
| ''[[Aradhana (1969 film)|Aradhana]]''
| With Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar
|
|-
| 1970
| "Nadiya Chale Chale Re Dhara"
| ''[[Safar (1970 film)|Safar]]''
|With Manna Dey
|
|-
| 1972
| "Raina Beeti Jaaye"
| ''[[Amar Prem]]''
|With Lata Mangeshkar
|
|-
| 1972
| "Rimjhim Rimjhim Dekho Baras Rahee Hai"
| ''[[Shehzada]]''
|With Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar
|
|-
| 1972
| "Naa Jaeeyo Naa Jaeeyo Chhod Ke Naa Jaiyo Meri Rani"
| ''[[Shehzada]]''
|With Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar
|
|-
| 1973
| "Haan To Main Kya"
| ''[[Raja Rani (1973 film)|Raja Rani]]''
|With Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar
|
|-
|1973
| "Main To Kuchh Bhi Nahin"
| ''[[Daag: A Poem of Love]]''
|
|
|-
| 1974
| "Ik Ajnabi Haseena Se Yun Mulaqat"
| ''[[Ajnabee (1974 film)|Ajanabee]]''
|With Kishore Kumar
|
|-
| 1975
| "Mahan Shunya Ke Mahan Vistar Mein"
| ''[[Avishkaar]]''
|
|
|-
| 1977
| "Ladkadane Do Mujhe"
| ''[[Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein]]''
|With Kishore Kumar
|
|}
== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book|last=Usman|first=Yasser|title=[[Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar]]|publisher=[[Penguin India]]|year=2014|isbn=978-9-351-18875-9|author-link=Yasser Usman}}
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Rajesh Khanna}}
*{{IMDb name|4435|Rajesh Khanna}}


{{padmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2010–19}}
{{actor-stub}}
{{FilmfareBestActorAward}}
{{FilmfareLifetimeAchievementAward}}{{Authority control}}{{Portal bar|Biography|Bollywood|India|Media|Television}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Khanna, Rajesh}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Khanna, Rajesh}}
[[Category:Rajesh Khanna| ]]
[[Category:Indian movie actors]]
[[Category:Indian movie producers]]
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:1942 births]]
[[Category:2012 deaths]]
[[Category:2012 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian male film actors]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Film producers from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Male actors from Amritsar]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:Punjabi people]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Bollywood playback singers]]
[[Category:Bollywood playback singers]]
[[Category:Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award winners]]
[[Category:Indian actor-politicians]]
[[Category:Indian male television actors]]
[[Category:10th Lok Sabha members]]
[[Category:Indian male singers]]
[[Category:Male actors from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Indian male soap opera actors]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Bhushan in arts]]
[[Category:Indian National Congress politicians from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Delhi]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:Indian male playback singers]]
[[Category:Politicians from Amritsar]]
[[Category:Singers from Punjab, India]]
[[Category:Hill Grange High School alumni]]

Revision as of 05:12, 13 September 2022

Rajesh Khanna
Born
Jatin Khanna

29 December 1942
Amritsar, Punjab, India
Died18 July 2012 (aged 69)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Cause of deathCancer
Other namesJatin Khanna
Kaka
RK
OccupationFilm actor and producer
Years active1966–2012 (actor)
Spouse(s)Dimple Kapadia (1973–1984 separated)
ChildrenTwinkle Khanna
Rinke Khanna
RelativesAkshay Kumar

Rajesh Khanna (29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor in movies. He became very famous in Bollywood after Shakti Samantha's movie Aradhana. Rajesh played both the father and son in that movie. Some of his well-known movies are Anand, Kati Patang, Safar, Sacha Jhuta, Raja Rani, Bawarchi and Amar Prem.

External links


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