Rajesh Khanna : Bollywood Icon Remembered
Rajesh Khanna was a legendary Indian film actor, producer, and politician. He is referred to as the “First Superstar” of Indian cinema. Khanna’s charismatic performances in numerous iconic films made him a household name, and his influence on the Bollywood industry is immeasurable.
Biography
| Name | Rajesh Khanna |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Jatin Khanna |
| Birthdate | 29 December 1942 |
| Death Date | 18 July 2012 |
| Occupation | Actor, Film Producer, Politician |
| Known For | First Superstar of Indian Cinema |
| Record | Consecutively starred in a record 15 solo hero successful films between 1969 and 1971 |
| Accolades | Five Filmfare Awards, Padma Bhushan (posthumously) |
| Debut Film | 1966 Aakhri Khat |
| Political Career | Member of Parliament from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency (1992-1996) |
| Spouse | Dimple Kapadia (m. 1973) |
| Children | Two daughters – Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna |
| Honors | Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award, stamp and statue in his likeness, road renamed after him |
Early Life
Rajesh Khanna was born on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, India. He was raised in a middle-class family in the city of Mumbai. After completing his education, Rajesh Khanna moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. His journey from Amritsar to Mumbai marked the beginning of a legendary acting career that would later earn him the title of “India’s first superstar.”
Family
| Family Member | Name |
|---|---|
| Parents | Chandra Khanna and Lala Hiranand |
| Siblings | Praveen Khanna |
Rajesh Khanna was born to Chandra Khanna and Lala Hiranand. His father Lala Hiranand was a wealthy businessman, and his mother Chandra Khanna was a homemaker. He had a sister named Praveen Khanna. The family had a strong influence on Rajesh Khanna’s upbringing, and he remained close to them throughout his life.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Chest | 40 inches |
| Waist | 32 inches |
| Biceps | 14 inches |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Rajesh Khanna, known as the first superstar of Indian cinema, had a colorful personal life marked by several relationships.
| Partner Name | Marriage Date |
|---|---|
| Dimple Kapadia | 1973 |
Rajesh Khanna was married to Dimple Kapadia in 1973. They have two daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna. Their marriage, however, ended in separation in 1984.
Rajesh Khanna was also known for his relationships with several other prominent actresses from the industry. Some of his notable relationships include Anju Mahendru and Tina Munim.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Career:
Rajesh Khanna, also known as the “first superstar” of Indian cinema, rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. He gained immense popularity for his romantic roles and charismatic on-screen persona. Khanna’s career took off with his debut in “Aakhri Khat” in 1966, and he soon became the heartthrob of Indian audiences.
Achievements:
Some of Rajesh Khanna’s popular works include “Aradhana,” “Anand,” “Kati Patang,” “Amar Prem,” and “Bawarchi.” He delivered numerous blockbuster hits during his career and earned the title of the original romantic hero of Bollywood. His performances in these films are still cherished by audiences.
Awards:
Rajesh Khanna received several awards and accolades for his contributions to Indian cinema. He was honored with three Filmfare Best Actor Awards and also received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. His acting prowess and contribution to the film industry were widely recognized.
Controversies:
While Rajesh Khanna enjoyed immense popularity, there were also controversies surrounding him. One of the notable controversies was his alleged strained relationship with his leading lady, Sharmila Tagore, during the shooting of the film “Amar Prem.” Additionally, his personal life, including his marriage and relationship with actress Anju Mahendru, garnered media attention and controversy during his peak years in the industry.
Faq
Rajesh Khanna was a renowned Indian actor, often referred to as the first superstar of Indian cinema. He was known for his exceptional acting skills and his charismatic on-screen presence.
Rajesh Khanna starred in numerous successful Bollywood films, including “Anand”, “Amar Prem”, “Aradhana”, “Kati Patang”, and “Haathi Mere Saathi”. These movies are still beloved by fans and are considered classics of Indian cinema.
Rajesh Khanna enjoyed immense popularity and success in the late 1960s and 1970s, during which he delivered several blockbuster hits and gained a massive fan following. This period is often referred to as the “Rajesh Khanna Era” in Bollywood.
Rajesh Khanna played a key role in shaping the landscape of Indian cinema. His romantic persona and intense acting performances set a new benchmark for actors in the industry and inspired a generation of actors who followed in his footsteps.
Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be celebrated by fans and the film industry. His contributions to Indian cinema are remembered with great respect and admiration.
