Rajesh Khanna, known as India’s first superstar, captivated audiences with his charm and talent. Classics like Aradhana, Anand, and Amar Prem solidified his status in the industry. However, Khanna’s reign did not last indefinitely, as he faced a challenging period marked by declining success and the rise of fellow actor Amitabh Bachchan.
In a recent podcast with veteran journalist Vickey Lalwani, actor Prem Chopra shared insights into Rajesh Khanna’s struggle to cope with this transition. Chopra noted that Khanna found it difficult to accept that the audience’s admiration was shifting towards Bachchan, despite still holding a significant fan base himself.
Chopra recounted that Khanna, a once-celebrated superstar, faced immense pressure during this downturn. Although he didn’t openly discuss his feelings, his distress was palpable throughout the film industry. To manage these pressures and feelings of inadequacy, Khanna turned to alcohol more heavily. Chopra remarked, “It was difficult for him to digest that failure… when such things happen, an actor either drinks more or something goes wrong because they can’t tolerate what they were and what they are now.”
Amitabh Bachchan’s ascension in the industry is often attributed to his approach towards acting. Chopra explained that Bachchan entered the scene with a mindset that he was not solely responsible for a film’s success. He embraced his roles sincerely, allowing his characters to resonate deeply with audiences, which led to a string of successful films.
Amitabh’s journey was not without its hardships. Prem Chopra highlighted a time when the actor found himself without work and walked to director Yash Chopra’s residence to seek opportunities. Despite setbacks and financial struggles, Bachchan’s hard work and dedication never wavered. Chopra added, “He is a very hardworking actor. When he comes on set, he comes before time and works on the character he is doing.”
On a personal note, Rajesh Khanna was married to actress Dimple Kapadia, and the couple had two daughters, Twinkle and Rinkie. Though Dimple left him shortly after their marriage, she returned during Khanna’s final days, providing care as he battled cancer.
Khanna’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the fickle nature of fame and the personal challenges that often accompany public success. How do you perceive Rajesh Khanna’s response to his downturn in fortune?