Rajesh Khanna, Actor, Film Producer
Actor, Film Producer

Rajesh Khanna

Born 29 December 1942 · Punjab — Died 18 July 2012

Rajesh Khanna starred in 15 consecutive hit films between 1969 and 1971, a record in Indian cinema.

Rajesh Khanna was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. Regarded as one of the greatest and most successful actor in the history of Indian cinema, he is considered the first Superstar of Hindi cinema. His accolades include five Filmfare Awards, and in 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Rajesh Khanna is possibly the only Hindi film star to have received fan letters written in blood and lip-sticked kisses on his car’s windshield during his peak popularity in the early 1970s.

The Story

1
In 1965, Rajesh Khanna emerged as one of eight finalists from over 10,000 contestants in the United Producers and Filmfare All India Talent Contest, winning by a single point and catching the eye of industry giants like BR Chopra and Bimal Roy.
2
🌟 His acting debut came in 1966 with 'Aakhri Khat,' directed by Chetan Anand, which became India's official entry to the 40th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, marking a unique entry point into Indian cinema's global stage.
3Between 1969 and 1971, Rajesh Khanna delivered an unprecedented streak of 15 consecutive solo hit films, including 'Aradhana' and 'Anand,' which transformed popular Hindi cinema and introduced new romantic ideals on screen.
4💥 In 1973, Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia just eight months before her debut film 'Bobby' was released, intertwining two of Bollywood’s most charismatic figures at the height of their early careers.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🏅 Filmfare Best Actor Award

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 1965, Rajesh Khanna won the All India Talent Contest by just one point, beating over 10,000 contestants judged by Bollywood luminaries like B.R. Chopra and Bimal Roy.

🖼️

Through the Years

2 photographs from the archives
Rajesh Khanna with Naina Das and her mother at his residence in 1999
Rajesh Khanna with Naina Das and her mother at his residence in 1999
1999
Rajesh Khanna attending Prithvi Soni's exhibition in 2020

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth of Jatin Khanna in Amritsar
Born into a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family in Amritsar, later adopted and renamed Rajesh Khanna by his uncle KK Talwar.
1942
⚡
Career
Wins All India Talent Contest
Selected among over 10,000 contestants in a United Producers and Filmfare contest judged by top filmmakers, launching his acting career.
1965
⚡
Career
Film debut with 'Aakhri Khat'
'Aakhri Khat' became India’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 40th Academy Awards.
1966
⚡
Career
Breakthrough with 'Aradhana'
'Aradhana' established Rajesh Khanna as a romantic hero, kicking off a string of hits until 1971.
1969
🌟
Other
Marriage to Dimple Kapadia
Married Dimple Kapadia just months before her debut film 'Bobby' released, making them a power couple in Bollywood.
1973
⚡
Career
Elected to Lok Sabha from New Delhi
Entered politics as Indian National Congress candidate, serving until 1996 in the 10th Lok Sabha.
1992
🕊️
Death
Death in Mumbai
Passed away after a period of illness, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hindi cinema's iconic stars.
2012
🏅
Award
Posthumous Padma Bhushan Award
Awarded India’s third highest civilian honour, recognizing his contributions to Indian cinema.
2013
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

His debut film 'Aakhri Khat' (1966) was India's first official entry to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, a unique distinction for a newcomer.

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

From 1969 to 1971, he delivered 15 consecutive solo hit films, a record that remains unmatched in Hindi cinema history.

03 / 06
💡SURPRISING

Rajesh Khanna’s fans wrote letters in blood and left lip-sticked kisses on his car’s windshield during his peak, illustrating an extraordinary fan devotion.

No quote recorded for Rajesh Khanna yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Rajesh Khanna Biography | राजेश खन्ना की जीवनी | First Superstar of Indian Cinema |बॉलीवुड अभिनेता
More from this archive
Rajesh Khanna Biography | राजेश खन्ना की जीवनी | First Superstar of Indian Cinema |बॉलीवुड अभिनेता
01
Rajesh Khanna Biography | राजेश खन्ना की जीवनी | First Superstar of Indian Cinema |बॉलीवुड अभिनेता
Vintage Documentary on Rajesh Khanna
02
Vintage Documentary on Rajesh Khanna
Bollywood first superstar Rajesh khanna's old interview l #Celebrityworld l #Rajeshkhanna l
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Bollywood first superstar Rajesh khanna's old interview l #Celebrityworld l #Rajeshkhanna l
Rajesh Khanna Interview - 1982
04
Rajesh Khanna Interview - 1982
Rajesh Khanna Talks About Superstar Status | 1989 Interview
05
Rajesh Khanna Talks About Superstar Status | 1989 Interview
Watch Rajesh Khanna's speech on receiving Lifetime Achievement Award at IIFA
06
Watch Rajesh Khanna's speech on receiving Lifetime Achievement Award at IIFA
Hindi Film Industry के पहले Superstar Rajesh Khanna के अर्श से फर्श तक पहुंचने की कहानी | Kissa E 55
07
Hindi Film Industry के पहले Superstar Rajesh Khanna के अर्श से फर्श तक पहुंचने की कहानी | Kissa E 55
BBC interview RAjesh Khanna 1975
08
BBC interview RAjesh Khanna 1975
Rajesh Khanna Interview - 1982
09
Rajesh Khanna Interview - 1982
Super Star Rajesh Khanna's Interview
10
Super Star Rajesh Khanna's Interview

🌱 What changed because of them

Rajesh Khanna’s 15 consecutive solo hits from 1969 to 1971 redefined the concept of a 'superstar' in Indian cinema, creating a fan culture unprecedented in Bollywood history. His films influenced the romantic genre deeply, inspiring filmmakers and actors to focus on emotional storytelling and charismatic lead roles. The Dadasaheb Phalke Academy officially recognized him as Hindi cinema’s First Superstar, cementing his impact on the industry's star system and fan engagement.

💬 Social Buzz

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💭 Memories & Tributes

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