Rajesh Khanna was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, in 2013.
"For me, in the early 1970s, he was the only hero - romantic to the core, not larger than life, so Indian and real." - Tom Alter
Although Rajesh Khanna is widely remembered as “India’s First Superstar,” he was much more than what the term means these days. He truly seemed out of the world! And the kind of craze that he had enjoyed during his peak remains unmatched even today in the truest sense of the term. Fans used to come out in droves to catch a glimpse of him, and would line the road and chant his name. Women would write him letters in blood, kiss his cars, and even marry themselves to his photographs (yes, you read it right!). And he needed police protection whenever he stepped out on the street! Fascinating, isn’t it?
Rajesh Khanna – The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Well, Rajesh Khanna was an era in himself. He had that magnetic screen presence that continues to leave us in awe! And he was also a phenomenal actor whose performances are textbooks for aspiring actors today. Whether it's 'Ittefaq', 'Amanda, 'Bandhan', 'Aradhana', 'Kati Patang', 'Haathi Mere Saathi', or 'Khamoshi', he delivered numerous iconic films throughout his career.
Rajesh Khanna with Sharmila Tagore
"I, Shah Rukh, or Aamir have not even achieved 10% of what Khanna had in acting or his stardom." - Salman Khan
A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Khanna breathed his last on July 18, 2012. On his death anniversary, we share an interesting fact about him that many don't know.
Yes, you read it absolutely right! Rajesh Khanna became the biggest star in B-town during the 70s; so much so that his name alone was a guarantee of commercial success. In fact, he delivered a record 17 consecutive hits between 1969 and 1971 - 15 solo and 2 two hero films. The record still remains unbroken!
The films were 'Aradhana', 'Doli', 'Bandhan', 'Ittefaq', 'Do Raaste', 'Khamoshi', 'Safar', 'The Train', 'Kati Patang', 'SachaaJhutha', 'Aan Milo Sajna', 'Mehboob Ki Mehendi', 'Choti Bahu', 'Anand', 'Andaz', 'Maryada', and 'Haathi Mere Saathi'.
Rajesh Khanna and Farida Jalal in a still from ‘Aradhana’
It's worth noting that Khanna's stardom started declining during the late 80s. He quit showbiz in 1991 and joined politics.
Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in a still from ‘Anand’
Khanna's debut film, 'Aakhri Khat', was India's official Oscar entry in 1967.
He had a 100% success rate with actress Mumtaz, delivering eight blockbuster films with her. But he had the most number of films (15) with Hema Malini.
In 1974, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) made a film on Khanna, titled 'Bombay Superstar'.
He was the first choice of director Shekhar Kapoor for the lead in 'Mr. India'. He turned the role down, and it eventually went to Anil Kapoor.
The charming Rajesh Khanna whose one glance could make all the women crazy
Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar, and RD Burman became a popular trio during the 70s, delivering numerous chartbusters. Songs like "Kuch To Log Kahenge" and "Ye Shaam Mastani" are still popular among fans.
Rajesh Khanna was someone, as Shah Rukh Khan aptly put it, "you cannot touch". To mark his death anniversary today, let's revisit some of his iconic films and celebrate the 'magic' that he was!
