In the annals of Bollywood history, certain names resonate with an unparalleled charisma, forever etched in the hearts of millions. Among these luminaries, Rajesh Khanna stands tall as the industry's first superstar, a title he earned through a combination of talent, charm, and a dash of unexpected opportunity.
Born Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, Rajesh's journey to stardom was not a straightforward one. From a young age, he harbored a passion for acting, participating in school and college plays. His family, however, was initially against his Bollywood ambitions. But young Jatin was determined to make it big in the tinsel town. Khanna's entry into the film industry was unconventional yet remarkable. In the early 1960s, he won the All India Talent Contest organized by United Producers and Filmfare, defeating thousands of other contestants. This victory marked the beginning of his illustrious career. As part of the prize for winning the contest, G.P. Sippy and Nasir Hussain signed Khanna.
Khanna made his acting debut in 1966 with 'Aakhri Khat', directed by Chetan Anand. Although the film didn't gain instant success, it showcased his potential as a talented actor. He received his first break as a leading actor in Ravindra Dave's, 'Raaz', in 1967.
The turning point in Rajesh Khanna's career arrived in 1969 with the release of Shakti Samanta's 'Aradhana', where he starred opposite Sharmila Tagore. The film became a massive blockbuster, catapulting Khanna to overnight superstardom. His portrayal of a romantic hero resonated with audiences, and his charming persona, emotive eyes, and unique style of dialogue delivery captivated millions. The film's soundtrack, composed by S. D. Burman and with lyrics by Anand Bakshi, became the third best-selling Hindi film album of the 1960s. Hit songs such as 'Mere Sapno Ki Rani' and 'Roop Tera Mastana', sung by Kishore Kumar, became evergreen hits, further solidifying his status as a superstar.
Between 1969 and 1971, Rajesh Khanna delivered 15 consecutive solo hits, a record that remains unmatched. Films like 'Do Raaste', 'Safar,' 'Kati Patang,' 'Anand,' 'Haathi Mere Saathi,' and 'Amar Prem' became iconic, cementing his place in Bollywood history. His collaborations with Kishore Kumar and music directors like R.D. Burman produced some of Bollywood's most memorable melodies.
Rajesh Khanna was not just a romantic hero; his versatility as an actor was evident in films like 'Anand' (1971), where he played a terminally ill patient, earning widespread critical acclaim. His performance in 'Amar Prem' showcased his depth as an actor, with dialogues like 'Pushpa, I hate tears' becoming part of cinematic folklore.
Khanna's impact extended beyond the silver screen. He was a trendsetter, influencing fashion and lifestyle choices across India. His signature style, including buttoned-up kurtas, guru shirts, and unique scarves, became immensely popular. Fans often imitated his fashion choices, and his hairstyles were widely copied. Such was his popularity, particularly amongst female fans, that stories circulated of women writing love letters in blood and marrying his photographs.
Rajesh Khanna's reign as the undisputed superstar lasted for a remarkable period, but as the landscape of Bollywood evolved, so did the audience's tastes. By the mid-1970s, the rise of actors like Amitabh Bachchan, with his "angry young man" persona, began to challenge Khanna's dominance. Despite the shift in popularity, Rajesh Khanna continued to deliver notable performances in films like 'Aap Ki Kasam,' 'Avtaar,' and 'Amrit'.
In 2005, he was honored with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honor. Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. He will forever be remembered as Bollywood's first superstar, the actor who captured the hearts of a nation and whose films continue to be cherished today.
