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| Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore in Aradhna: the last of the romantic heroes |
In that era, when the film industry was small but highly competitive with stalwarts like Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Shammi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, for a new actor making a mark in itself was a commendable achievement.
Unlike the days when stars appeared to be ‘loud’, Rajesh was soft and quiet, in his style, acting, personality and also public image.
Within a short period of a few years, he catapulted to superstardom and achieved heights like nobody before him.
We were neighbours in Bandra - barely at five minutes walking distance - good friends and used to meet and interact regularly. Although, in recent years it was rare due to his health conditions.
I witnessed his peak period from 1969-1975 from close quarters. The dizzying heights that he reached remain a landmark which other actors and stars can covet, though we have many big stars even today.
We saw that his position remained untouched, nobody could come anywhere near him, he was loved and adored by all from six to 60, especially women who considered him their ultimate Dreamboy with his cherubic smile, a romantic charisma and a good boy image...
While the period Rajesh reigned at the top was quite short - barely six years - he truly deserved the ‘superstar’ status that the industry bestowed on him.
I was involved in the writing of his career’s greatest super hit Haathi Mere Saathi and later Andaaz, in which he had a guest appearance.
During the shooting of Haathi Mere Saathi, when we used to travel to Chennai and other places in south India, we were surprised to see massive crowds waiting for Rajesh wherever he went.
Generally, nobody knew or recognised Hindi film stars in south India, which has its own dedicated and huge film industry, so this was considered remarkable.
Though many considered him a romantic hero, he was accepted in all the roles he essayed - romance, action, emotions, drama, comedy.
As a person, Rajesh was basically an introvert, unable to express himself much and remained shy, traits that may be considered unthinkable for a superstar with a huge fan following.
However, he was always a good host, whether on the sets or his home - daily, dozens of people were invited for eating, drinking and merry-making.
Rajesh was a very generous person, too. He was known to make expensive gifts to people he liked - like, once, he gifted a car to somebody, to another an expensive watch, and so on...
I feel saddened that he left us when he was just 69, (he would have turned 70 this December). But he had been ailing for a long time and suffering. After a high-profile acting career, he has got the rest he must have wanted…
(Salim Khan is an eminent Bollywood scriptwriter)
Kaka was a phenomenon
For some he defined romance on screen, for others his heart-warming performances brought tears, and for a whole lot of Bollywood celebrities Rajesh Khanna, Hindi cinema’s “first superstar”, was the “phenomenon” whose “magic” will live on forever through his memorable films, dialogues and songs.
Fondly known as Kaka, Khanna worked in about 160 films.
1960s
Akhri Khat, Raaz, Baharo Ke Sapne, Woman, Shrimanji, Khamoshi, Doli, Bandhan, Aradhana, Ittefaq and Do Raaste
1970s
Safar, Kati Patang, The Train, Sachaa Jhutha, Aan Milo Sajana, Mehboob Ki Mehandi, Maryada, Guddi, Dushman, Andaz, Anand, Haathi Mere Saathi, Choti Bahu, Shehzada, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Malik, Dil Daulat Duniya, Bawarchi, Apna Desh, Anuraag, Amar Prem, Joroo Ka Ghulam, Daag: A Poem of Love, Raja Rani, Bombay Superstar, Namak Haraam, Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi, Aap Ki Kasam, Prem Nagar, Ajanabee, Avishkaar, Roti, Prem Kahani, Aakraman, Maha Chor, Ginny Aur Johny, Bundal Baaz, Mehbooba, Tinku, Karm, Chalta Purza, Anurodh, Tyaag, Aaina, Chhailla Babu, Hatyara, Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein, Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka, Chakravyuha, Bhola Bhala, Naukri, Muqabla, Janta Hawaldar, Bebus, Amar Deep and Prem Bandhan.
1980s
Bandish, Red Rose, Phir Wohi Raat, Aanchal, Bharosa, Dushman Dost, Kudrat, Sundara Satarkar, Dhanwan, Dard, Fiffty Fiffty, Rajput, Ashanti, Dil-E-Nadaan, Dharam Kanta, Ayaash, Jaanwar, Avtaar, Souten, Agar Tum Na Hote, Asha Jyoti, Dharam Aur Qanoon, Awaaz, Zamana, Hum Dono, Masterji, Bewafai, Aakhir Kyon?, Alag Alag, Babu, Awara Baap, Angaaray, Amrit, Anokha Rishta, Sitapur Ki Geeta, Nazrana, Vijay, Main Tera Dushman, and Ghar Ka Chiraag.
1990s
Jai Shiv Shankar, Dushman, Swarg, Ghar Parivaar, Begunaah, Khudai and Aa Ab Laut Chalen.
2000-2008
Pyaar Zindagi Hai, Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa and Wafaa.
As producer:
Alag Alag, Police Ke Peeche Police and Jai Shiv Shankar.