subject: Rajesh Khanna - The True Superstar of the Indian Cinema [print this page] Rajesh Khanna - The True Superstar of the Indian Cinema
Jatin Khanna, rose to stardom as Rajesh Khanna, only to reign the Indian Hindi film industry for over a decade. Recognized as the first superstar of film industry, he boasted the largest and maddest fan following, particularly thousands of girls. His unique way of dialogue delivery and stylized acting continues to make him popular among mimicry artists.
Being an acting enthusiast, Khanna participated in the All India Expertise Contest and won the same among more than ten thousand contestants. His on-screen performance in first film Aakhri Khat and subsequent film Raaz helped him win the All India United Producer's Skill Competition. His contract with the United Producers landed him in movies like Aurat, Baharon Ke Sapne and Aradhana. The performance of Rajesh Khanna was praised in the film Aradhana, which also saw Kishore Kumar re-entering into films as a singer.
Rajesh Khanna proved his versatility by convincingly enacting the roles in films like Namak Haram, Anand and Bawarchi. He shared the best on-screen chemistry with Mumtaz. The hit pair went on to act in eight successful films. Sharmila Tagore was also another actress with whom he went on to give out smashing hits. He has acted opposite to almost all popular actresses like Shabana Azmi, Poonam Dhillon, Tina Munim, Hema Malini and Asha Parekh of those times. He was friendly to his co-actors and associates.
He was called as Kaka by his close friends and also by actress and wife Dimple Kapadia. The charismatic presence of this actor made people go crazy at his public appearances. His car was covered with lipstick marks; female fans sent him letters in blood and married his photo. Bombay University included an essay, 'The Charisma Of Rajesh Khanna' in their textbook. Such was the effect of his charisma on fans. He still holds an unbroken record for giving 15 consecutive hits between 1969 to 1972.
Rajesh Khanna rose to success again after a downfall, with films like Agar Tum Na Hote, Avtaar and Hum Dono, being some of them. He stopped acting while serving as a Member of the Parliament of the New Delhi Constituency. He entered the film industry again with Kyaa Dil Ne Kaha and Aa Ab Laut Chalen. Though his appearance in movies after 2000 has reduced, fans can get to see him make a comeback in television serials.
