Today marks the posthumous 79th birthday of Rajesh Khanna, the first superstar of Hindi cinema. The late actor, who was regarded as one of the biggest stars in the nation, experienced great popularity and stardom, but those things didn’t come without a price.
With the late 1960s movie Aakhri Raat, which was also India’s official entry for the Oscars the same year, Rajesh Khanna launched his career. In films like Aaradhna, Kati Patang, Anand, Amar Prem, Chhoti Bahu, Guddi, Haathi Mere Saathi, Sitapur Ki Geeta, Namak Haraam, and others, he played a number of well-liked and highly praised roles. On July 18, 2012, Rajesh Khanna passed away at his Mumbai house after a protracted battle with cancer.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Rajesh Khanna, commonly referred to as the “First Superstar” of Hindi cinema, was a very influential and prosperous actor. He had a four-decade acting career and participated in more than 150 movies, ranking him among the most active actors in Indian cinema. Here is a list of some of his best film performances in honour of his birthday:
1. Anand (1971)
Rajesh Khanna portrayed Dr Bhaskar Banerjee, a cancer sufferer who helps his best friend, Amitabh Bachchan, who plays him, accept his own mortality in this great film. Khanna won multiple accolades for his portrayal in this movie, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, which was highly applauded.
2. Amar Prem (1972)
Khanna portrayed Anand, an affluent man who falls in love with Pushpa, a prostitute played by Sharmila Tagore, in this romantic drama. Khanna’s performance was praised as one of the best of his career, and the movie was a huge commercial and critical success.
3. Namak Haraam (1973)
Khanna portrayed the selfish and affluent Rajesh in this socially conscious movie. Through his contacts with his less fortunate acquaintances, Rajesh comes to understand the value of friendship and compassion. The movie was a huge hit, and Khanna’s performance received rave reviews from reviewers.
4. Bawarchi (1972)
Khanna portrayed Raghu, a cook who unites and brings happiness to a discordant family, in this comedy-drama film. The movie was a huge financial hit, and Khanna’s performance was well-liked.
5. Avishkaar (1973)
In this highly regarded movie, Khanna portrayed a socially concerned poet who opposes corruption and injustice. The movie was a huge hit, and Khanna’s performance received rave reviews from reviewers.
6. Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)
Khanna portrayed a man who is loyal to his elephants and battles to prevent them from being taken by the government in this family drama. The movie was a huge financial hit, and Khanna’s performance was well-liked.
Actress Dimple Kapadia was married to Rajesh Khanna
Actress Dimple Kapadia was married to Rajesh Khanna; however, the two never had a legal divorce. They separated in 1982. He lost the battle with cancer in 2012 and passed away. He is survived by his daughters Twinkle and Rinke Khanna in addition to Dimple.
It is appropriate to recognise and honour the continuing legacy of this famous actor on the occasion of his birthday.