RAJESH KHANNA

Full Name: Jatin Khanna
Popularly Known As: Rajesh Khanna
Birth Date: December 29, 1942
Birthplace: Amritsar, Punjab, India
Death Date: July 18, 2012
Spouse: Dimple Kapadia (m. 1973; separated)
Children: Twinkle Khanna, Rinke Khanna
Profession: Actor, Producer, Politician

Early Life

Rajesh Khanna, born Jatin Khanna, was adopted and raised by foster parents. He grew up in Girgaon, Mumbai, and attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School alongside his close friend, Ravi Kapoor, who later became Bollywood star Jeetendra. After school, he pursued higher education at Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune, and Kishinchand Chellaram College in Mumbai, where he developed an interest in theater.

Entry into Bollywood

Rajesh Khanna’s journey in Bollywood began after winning the 1965 All India Talent Contest, organized by United Producers and Filmfare. This victory gave him a direct entry into films, marking the start of his illustrious career.

filmography :

🎬 1960s

  • 1966 – Aakhri Khat as Govind (Debut)
  • 1967 – Raaz as Kumar/Sunil
  • 1969 – Aradhana as Arun Verma / Suraj Verma
  • 1969 – Ittefaq, Do Raaste, Khamoshi

🎬 1970–1975: Peak Stardom

  • 1970 – Sachaa Jhutha as Bhola / Ranjit Kumar
  • 1971 – Anand as Anand Sehgal
  • 1971 – Haathi Mere Saathi, Kati Patang, Andaz
  • 1972 – Amar Prem as Anand Babu, Bawarchi, Apna Desh
  • 1973 – Daag as Sunil Kohli, Namak Haraam, Raja Rani
  • 1974 – Roti as Mangal Singh, Aap Ki Kasam, Prem Nagar
  • 1975 – Prem Kahani, Aakraman

🎬 1976–1985: Transition Roles

  • 1976 – Mehbooba as Prakash / Suraj
  • 1977 – Chhailla Babu, Anurodh
  • 1978 – Prem Bandhan
  • 1979 – Amar Deep
  • 1980 – Red Rose
  • 1981 – Dard
  • 1982 – Avtaar as Avtaar Kishen
  • 1983 – Souten as Shyam
  • 1984 – Awaaz as Advocate Jayant
  • 1985 – Durgaa as Public Prosecutor

🎬 1986–1995: Mature Roles

  • 1986 – Amrit as Amritlal
  • 1987 – Waqt Ki Awaz
  • 1988 – Ghar Ka Chiraag
  • 1989 – Main Tera Dushman
  • 1990 – Swarg as Kumar
  • 1991 – Begunaah
  • 1992 – Khuda Gawah (Cameo)
  • 1993 – Kanoon as Judge Dharmadhikari
  • 1994 – Aaj Ka MLA Ram Avtar as Ram Avtar
  • 1995 – Oonche Log as Jagdev Singh

🎬 2000s: Final Appearances

  • 2000 – Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa as Rahul’s Father
  • 2001 – Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman (Cameo)
  • 2006 – Jaana… Let’s Fall in Love as Shamsher Singh

Rise to Stardom

Rajesh Khanna debuted with Aakhri Khat (1966), directed by Chetan Anand, though the film that brought him widespread recognition was Aradhana (1969). Paired with Sharmila Tagore, he delivered a performance that cemented his place as Bollywood’s first “Superstar.” His charming smile, romantic roles, and soulful songs won millions of hearts.

Political Career

In the 1990s, Rajesh Khanna joined politics and became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Indian National Congress. He served his constituency with dedication but eventually returned to acting in his later years.

Awards and Recognitions of Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood’s first superstar, was celebrated for his exceptional acting skills and unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. Here is a detailed list of his major awards and honors:

Filmfare Awards

  1. Best Actor:
    • Sachaa Jhutha (1971)
    • Anand (1972)
    • Avishkaar (1975)
  2. Special Award:
    • Anand (1973) – Special recognition for his iconic performance.
  3. Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award:
    • 2005 – Honored for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

Bengal Film Journalists’ Association (BFJA) Awards

  1. Best Actor (Hindi):
    • Anand (1972)
    • Amar Prem (1973)
  2. Special Award for Contribution to Cinema:
    • Recognized multiple times by BFJA for his exceptional work.

Other Prestigious Awards

  1. Padma Bhushan (Posthumously):
    • 2013 – India’s third-highest civilian award for his contribution to arts and cinema.
  2. Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award:
    • 2008 – For his immense contribution to Indian cinema.
  3. IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award:
    • 2009 – Recognized for his enduring influence on Indian cinema.

Government and Institutional Honors

  1. First Superstar of Indian Cinema:
    • Awarded by various organizations and recognized officially during his lifetime.
  2. Memorial Stamp by India Post:
    • Released in 2013 to honor his legacy.
  3. Statue at Bandra Bandstand:
    • A life-size statue of Rajesh Khanna was unveiled to celebrate his status as Bollywood’s first superstar.

Personal Life

Rajesh Khanna married actress Dimple Kapadia in 1973, just months before the release of her debut film Bobby. Although the couple separated in the 1980s, they remained on cordial terms. Their daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna, both had brief stints in Bollywood.

Death and Legacy

Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, after battling cancer. His funeral was attended by thousands of fans, showcasing the immense love he commanded. Often referred to as “Kaka,” Rajesh Khanna’s legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers.

His charisma, unique dialogue delivery, and the emotional resonance he brought to his roles have immortalized him as Bollywood’s original superstar.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JL-B4soCXo&pp=ygUXcmFqZXNoIGtoYW5uYSBpbnRlcnZpZXc%3D