Rajesh Khanna was a popular Bollywood actor. He was born on 29 December 1942 in Amritsar, Punjab. He died on 28 July 2012. He did his schooling from St Sebastian Goan High School, Mumbai. He earned his degrees from Nauraji Wadia College, Pune and KD College, Mumbai. 

His father’s name was Lala Hiranand, and his mother’s name was Chandrani Khanna. His adoptive parents were Chunni Lal Khanna and Leelavati Khanna. He had a sister named Kamla. 

He was a father to two daughters Twinkle Khanna and Rinky Khanna. 

Rajesh Khanna’s favourites

His hobbies were travelling and cooking. 

His favourite actors were Guru Dutt, Dilip Kumar, Meena Kumari, and Geeta Bali. 

Interesting facts about Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna was raised by his uncle Chunni Lal Khanna. 

Rajesh Khanna and Jitendra Kumar were classmates at St Sebastian Goan High School. 

His father owned luxurious cars like MG Magnite Exchange IV, MG Midget Sports, MG MGA Roadster 1600. As per reports, Rajesh Khanna used to drive MG sports car when he went for auditions. 

Rajesh Khanna’s father did not support him with his decision of becoming an actor. He participated in a competition organized by Filmfare and emerged as the winner of the contest.

In the year 1966, Rajesh Khanna made his acting debut with the film ‘Akhri Khat.’ His debut film was also India’s official entry to the Academy Awards.

Rajesh Khanna’s marriage

Rajesh Khanna was in a relationship with Anju Mahendru for seven years. The latter did not consent to marry him, and the couple parted ways. 

In March 1973, he got married with actress Dimple Kapadia. She was 16 years younger than him at the time. 

Rajesh Khanna played double roles in 12 Hindi films including Raaz, Aradhna, Dharma Aur Kanoon, Kudrat, Sachcha Jhoota, Humshakal, Hum Doon, Unche Log, Mehbooba, Bhola Bhala, Dard, and Maha Chor. 

Rajesh Khanna’s popularity

He was the first Bollywood actor who was given the title of Super Star by film critics. He received immense love from the female audience for his attractive looks. 

Rajesh Khanna lent his voice to the song ‘O Mere Sajna O Mere Balma’ from the movie ‘Baharon Ke Sapne.’

He was a close friend of music director Kishore Kumar. The latter sang most of his songs for Rajesh Khanna. 

Rajesh Khanna’s legacy

Rajesh Khanna’s evergreen song ‘Roop Tera Mastana’ from the film ‘Aradhana’ was filmed in a single shot. 

In his 45-year-long film career, Rajesh Khanna worked in more than 180 films. 

In the year 2013, he was posthumously awarded with the Padma Bhushan. He won five Filmfare Award in his acting career. 

Rajesh Khanna in politics

In the year 1984, Rajesh Khanna joined politics and became a supporter of Indian National Congress. 

In 1991, Rajesh Khanna won the elections and became a Member of Parliament for five years. During the time, he appeared in just one film ‘Khudai,’ that came out in the year 1994. 

Rajesh Khanna was often referred with the nickname Kaka as a form of reverence. 

He died on 18 July 2012 in Mumbai, after a period of illness. His fans came out in huge numbers to celebrate his legacy. 

Rajesh Khanna’s filmography

Rajesh Khanna’s popular films are Bandhan (1969), Dharam Kanta (1982), Maqsad (1984), Baharon Ke Sapne (1967), Khamoshi (1969), Prem Nagar (1974), Apne Desh (1972), Namak Haraam (1973), Bawarchi (1972), Prem Kahani (1975), Aan Milo Sajna (1970), Ajanabee (1974), Anurodh (1977), Mehbooba (1976), Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972), Anand (1971), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Swarg (1990), and many more.