Original Superstar Of Indian Cinema – Rajesh Khanna

‘Babu Moshai’. The word was addressed to Amitabh Bachchan in the movie Anand (1971). But ironically this word reminds us of the addressee more than the person who was addressed. He does not need any kind of introduction. He is celebrated as the first ever superstar of Indian cinema.

Born as Jatin Khanna on 29th December 1942, the actor enjoyed a glorified career largely contributing as an actor in Hindi cinema. Rajesh Khanna who embarked the filmy journey with the movie Aakhri Khat in 1966, probably did not know that he would become the ideal man in his female fan followers. The actor showed interest in theatres and plays since his college days which further paved the way for films in his life. Raaz in 1967 rose him to the world of fame and by the time his movie Baharon Ke Sapne, Aurat, Doli, Aradhana and Ittefaq were released the audience saw an established actor on the silver screen.

Rajesh Khanna had a history of crazy fan following. Stories about him became famous with girls kissing his cars with their lipsticks, marrying the actor’s photographs and also writing letter to the superstar with their blood. This hysteria among fans has not been ever seen again for any actor in the industry. Rajesh Khanna starred in 15 consecutive super hit films with him being the lead actor. While the actor has a long list of films, movies like Khamoshi, Kati Patang, Haathi Mere Saathi, Dushman, Aap Ki Kasam, Amar Prem, Bawarchi, Daag : A Poem of Love, Namak Haram, Kudrat, Souten, Avtaar, Agar Tum Na Hote are most celebrated works.

A versatile actor, Rajesh Khanna shared a strong bond with his colleagues. His pair with Mumtaz in eight films, Tina Munim, Sharmila Tagore, Asha Parekh, Hema Malini, zeenat Aman, became very popular among audience. Music was the actor’s passion and he had a good partnership with music director R. D. Burman and singer Kishore Kumar. The trio allured the audience with their superb music and entertainment. Laxmikant-Pyarelal also considered the actor lucky for their career. Shakti Samanta’s movies starring Rajesh Khanna became super hits at the box office.

His move from romantic movies to films based on social themes saw a decline in his filmy career. The actor did not limit his excellent performance only to films but also had a successful television career where he acted in few TV serials. Since 1984, public saw the inclusion of the actor into the arena of politics where he campaigned for Congress party and became the Member of Parliament for Indian National Congress from New Delhi constituency.
Once the most eligible bachelor of the country got married to Dimple Kapadia in the year 1973 and broke thousands of hearts. The couple had two daughters Twinkle and Rinkie Khanna who were former Bollywood actress. Twinkle Khanna is married to the action hero Akshay Kumar. After a prolonged illness Khanna died on 18th July 2012 at his home Aashirwad.

His works have immortalized his name and he is one actor who is remembered for the films he did. He changed the phase of Hindi cinema with his immense contribution. The actor was posthumously awarded Padma Bhushan and in the year 2013 he was honoured the First Superstar of Indian Cinema at Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards.