Rajesh Khanna, widely regarded as the “First Superstar of India,” rose to immense fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. His breakthrough came with the 1969 film Aradhana, where his portrayal of a romantic hero captured the hearts of millions. Between 1969 and 1971, he delivered a remarkable streak of 15 consecutive hit films, cementing his position as a dominant force in Indian cinema. His charm, distinctive acting style, and ability to evoke strong emotions through his performances in romantic and dramatic roles earned him the affectionate title of “Superstar.” Some of his other major hits from this period include Do Raaste (1969), Safar (1970), Anand (1971), and Kati Patang (1970). Rajesh Khanna’s superstardom was characterized by his massive fan following and unparalleled success at the box office, making him an iconic figure in Bollywood’s history.
Rajesh Khanna was born on 29 December 1942, in Amritsar in the Punjab Province of British India, as ‘Jatin Khanna’ into a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family. He was adopted and raised by Chunnilal Khanna and Leelawati Khanna, who were relatives of his biological parents. He attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School with his friend Ravi Kapoor, who later took the stage name Jeetendra. Khanna gradually started taking an interest in theatre, did many stage and theatre plays in his school and college days, and won many prizes in inter-college drama competitions.
Khanna made his debut in 1966 Aakhri Khat which was India’s first official Academy Awards entry in 1967. In 2005, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award on the 50th anniversary of the Filmfare Awards. He was a Member of Parliament in the 10th Lok Sabha from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency between 1992 and 1996, elected in the 1992 New Delhi by-election as an Indian National Congress candidate. He was married to Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, eight months before her debut 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.
Khanna died on 18 July 2012, after a period of illness. He has been honoured with a stamp and statue in his likeness, and a road renamed after him by the Prime Minister of India.
