After Rajesh Khanna’s death in July 2012, Amitabh Bachchan visited his home, Aashirwad, in Mumbai. He left a pre-recorded message for Khanna’s family, friends, and fans, expressing his condolences and paying tribute to the late actor.
Big B
recalled his long association with India’s first superstar whom he first saw as the winner of a talent contest. Interestingly, Amitabh had applied for the same contest the following year but was rejected. This marked the beginning of their intertwined journeys in the film industry.
Bachchan recalled his next encounter with the superstar during a screening of the actor’s film ‘Aradhana’ at Rivoli Theatre in Connaught Place, New Delhi. He vividly described the packed audience’s enthusiastic response to the young, handsome star.
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Big B, who had abandoned his stable job in Calcutta to explore opportunities in the film industry, admitted in his blog, “But seeing Rajesh Khanna made me realize that with talents like his in the industry, there would be scarce opportunities for me in this new field!”
In 1971, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna were cast together in the film “Anand.” Reflecting on the experience, Amitabh wrote, “It felt like a miracle, a blessing from above that brought me unexpected respect; just being associated with Rajesh Khanna elevated my stature. I relished every moment of it.”
Describing Rajesh Khanna as a “humble and reserved man,” Amitabh recalled, “He drew a crowd on set, always surrounded by visitors, with Hrishikesh Mukherjee allowing it. The fervor and adulation he received were remarkable; in the 1970s, fans even traveled from Spain to meet him, an unprecedented event.”
“In his boyish plainness there was something that was regal in his demeanor. It was the magnet that attracted others to him – who at times were almost servile to him in nature”, concluded Bachchan.
It has been 12 years since India lost one of its finest actors—a legend. In June 2012, reports surfaced about the actor’s declining health. On June 23, he was hospitalized at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai due to health complications. Fortunately, he was discharged on July 8 and reportedly recovered well.
On July 14, Khanna was readmitted to the hospital and discharged on July 16. Two days later, he passed away at his bungalow Aashirwad in Mumbai. His health had been deteriorating since July 2011 when he was diagnosed with cancer, a fact revealed by his co-star Mumtaz after his death.
Around 900,000 people came to Mumbai from around the world to attend his funeral. The overwhelming crowd led to police intervention with lathi-charges to control the situation. In a pre-recorded message, the actor expressed gratitude and admiration for his family, friends, and fans, acknowledging their love and support. He also reflected on his journey to success in the film industry without any influential backing.
Rajesh Khanna was married to Dimple Kapadia. The couple had two daughters named Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna.
