Rajesh Khanna Facts, Age, Wiki, Biography, Height, Weight, Affairs, Net worth & More

Name– Rajesh Khanna

Original name– Jatin Khanna

Other names– Kaka, Rk

Date of birth– 29/12/1942

Native place– Amritsar, Punjab, India

Profession– Bollywood Superstar, Actor, & Politician

Family– Anju mahendru (1st wife), Dimple Kapadia (2nd wife, 1973-1984), Twinkle khanna (daughter), Akshay Kumar (son-in-law), Rinke Khanna (daughter), Sameer Saran (son-in-law).

Awards– Filmfare awards, Filmfare lifetime achievement award (2005), Bengal film journalists association awards (1971, 1972, 1974, 1987), Dada saheb phalke academy award (2008)

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Rajesh Khanna: The Phenomenon Who Became India’s First Superstar

The story of Rajesh Khanna is not just the biography of an actor; it is the tale of a cultural phenomenon. Known affectionately as ‘Kaka,’ he was the undisputed “First Superstar” of Indian cinema, a title earned through a meteoric rise and a string of consecutive box-office hits that remains an unbroken record to this day. His charismatic presence, signature head tilt, and romantic on-screen intensity created a frenzy—dubbed ‘Rajesh Khanna Mania’—unseen before or since in the Hindi film industry.

From his adopted childhood to his peak as the highest-paid star and his later foray into politics, Rajesh Khanna’s life was as dramatic and celebrated as his films. This deep dive explores the facts, career highlights, personal life, and enduring legacy of the man who defined romance in Bollywood for a generation.

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Rajesh Khanna: At a Glance (Wiki/Biography)

Detail	Information
Real Name	Jatin Khanna
Nickname	Kaka, The First Superstar
Date of Birth	29 December 1942
Place of Birth	Amritsar, Punjab, British India (now India)
Date of Death	18 July 2012
Age at Death	69 Years
Cause of Death	Cancer
Nationality	Indian
Profession	Actor, Film Producer, Politician
Years Active	1966–2012
Spouse	Dimple Kapadia (m. 1973; separated 1982)
Children	Twinkle Khanna, Rinke Khanna
Major Award	Padma Bhushan (posthumous, 2013)

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Early Life, Education, and the Road to Stardom

Rajesh Khanna was born Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab. He was born into a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family to Lala Hiranand and Chandrani Khanna. However, the path of his upbringing was shaped by his adoption. He was adopted and raised by his relatives, Chunnilal Khanna and Leelawati Khanna, who had moved from Lahore to Mumbai (then Bombay).

His childhood friend was Ravi Kapoor, who would later achieve his own fame as the actor Jeetendra. Khanna attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School in Mumbai. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at Nowrosjee Wadia College in Pune and later studied at Kishinchand Chellaram College (K.C. College) in Mumbai. It was during his college days that his passion for theatre blossomed. He participated in numerous stage and theatre plays, winning many prizes in inter-college drama competitions.

The pivotal moment that launched him toward films was his success in the 1965 All India Talent Contest. He was one of eight finalists chosen from over 10,000 contestants, a competition jointly organized by United Producers and Filmfare. Winning this contest proved to be his non-traditional entry ticket into the industry, bypassing the usual struggles of a newcomer. His uncle, KK Talwar, suggested he change his first name to ‘Rajesh’ when he decided to pursue films.

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The Rise of the First Superstar: Career Highlights

Rajesh Khanna’s film career, spanning over four decades, is marked by an initial period of struggle, a burst of unparalleled stardom, and a graceful decline into character roles and public service.

Debut and Early Years (1966–1968)

Rajesh Khanna made his acting debut in 1966 with the film Aakhri Khat, directed by Chetan Anand. The film was significant not just for marking his entry but also for being India’s first official entry to the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category in 1967. He followed this with a few more films like Raaz and Baharon Ke Sapne, slowly gaining recognition.

The Phenomenon: Stardom (1969–1974)

The year 1969 was the watershed moment in his career. His breakthrough role came in Shakti Samanta’s Aradhana, where he played a double role—father and son—alongside Sharmila Tagore. The film was a blockbuster, establishing him instantly as a national heartthrob and a major box-office draw.

The wave of success that followed is perhaps the most famous chapter of his life and an unprecedented record in Indian cinema:

• 17 Consecutive Successes: From 1969 to 1971, Rajesh Khanna delivered an astonishing and unbroken streak of 17 consecutive box-office hits as the solo lead hero. This phenomenal run cemented his status as the “First Superstar” of Hindi cinema.
• Iconic Roles and Films: This period saw the release of his most celebrated and enduring films, often defined by his romantic image and the soulful melodies of Kishore Kumar, including:
  • Anand (1971): A landmark film where he played a terminally ill man living life to the fullest, earning him critical acclaim and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
  • Kati Patang (1971): Featuring the timeless song “Yeh Sham Mastani.”
  • Amar Prem (1972): Known for his iconic dialogue “Pushpa, I hate tears.”
  • Sachaa Jhutha (1970): Won him his first Filmfare Best Actor Award for a double role.
  • Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Safar (1970), and Daag: A Poem of Love (1973).

Second Innings and Political Career

While the arrival of Amitabh Bachchan marked a shift in the box-office landscape, Khanna successfully adapted to a new phase of his career. He continued to deliver commercially successful films in the late 1970s and 1980s, including Avtaar (1983), Souten (1983), and Agar Tum Na Hote (1983).

Beyond cinema, Rajesh Khanna stepped into the world of politics.

• He began campaigning for the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1984.
• He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the New Delhi constituency from 1992 to 1996, winning a by-election after an initial loss.

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Personal Life: Marriage, Affairs, and Family

Rajesh Khanna’s personal life was often under intense media scrutiny, mirroring the larger-than-life nature of his professional career.

Key Relationships and Affairs

1. Anju Mahendru (1966–1972): Before his marriage, Khanna was in a serious, seven-year live-in relationship with actress and fashion designer Anju Mahendru. Their relationship reportedly ended due to personality clashes, particularly Khanna’s traditional and possessive nature conflicting with Mahendru’s modern lifestyle, and rumours surrounding her alleged affair with cricketer Gary Sobers.

2. Dimple Kapadia (Wife): In a surprise move that broke millions of hearts across the country, Khanna, then 30, married the 16-year-old budding actress Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, eight months before the release of her blockbuster debut film Bobby. The couple had two daughters:

   • Twinkle Khanna (a former actress, married to actor Akshay Kumar).
   • Rinke Khanna (a former actress).

The marriage, however, was strained, and the couple separated in 1982, though they never formally divorced.

3. Tina Munim (1984–1987): Following his separation from Dimple Kapadia, Khanna was in a relationship with actress Tina Munim. The pair worked in several successful films together.

Physical Stats: Height and Weight

While physical details were secondary to his charm and acting, for the purpose of a comprehensive wiki, his approximate physical attributes were recorded:

• Height: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm/1.73 m)
• Weight (Approx.): 88 kg (194 lbs)

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Net Worth, Legacy, and Death

Net Worth

At the time of his passing in 2012, Rajesh Khanna’s wealth was a subject of much discussion. His estimated net worth was approximately $65 million or around Rs. 600 crores, which included his iconic sea-facing bungalow, Aashirwad, on Carter Road in Mumbai.

A point of public interest was his will, which he reportedly prepared shortly before his death. His entire wealth was transferred to his two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna, with his estranged wife, Dimple Kapadia, being excluded from the will.

Death and Enduring Legacy

Rajesh Khanna was diagnosed with cancer and battled the illness privately for a period. He passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69 in his Mumbai residence, Aashirwad.

His impact on Indian cinema is indelible. His legacy includes:

• The record for the most number of solo lead films in Hindi cinema.
• Posthumous recognition, including the Padma Bhushan (India’s third-highest civilian honour) in 2013.
• The official title of “The First Superstar of Indian cinema,” bestowed upon him by the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards in 2013.
• His unique style—the ‘Guru Kurta’ and belt-on-shirt look—became a fashion trend for the youth of the 1970s.

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Awards and Accolades

Rajesh Khanna’s trophy cabinet reflects the immense impact he had on the industry.

Major Filmfare Awards

• Best Actor:
  • 1971: Sachaa Jhutha
  • 1972: Anand
  • 1975: Avishkaar
• Special Awards:
  • 1973: Special Award for Anuraag
  • 1991: Special Award for completing 25 years in the industry
• Lifetime Achievement Award:
  • 2005: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award at the 50th Filmfare Awards.

Other Honours

• Padma Bhushan: India’s third-highest civilian honour, awarded posthumously in 2013.
• Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards (BFJA): Won Best Actor four times (Anand, Bawarchi, Namak Haraam, Amrit).

The sheer volume of fan adoration, the commercial success, and the critical appreciation he received during his peak remains a gold standard in the history of Bollywood stardom.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What was Rajesh Khanna’s real name and nickname?

A: Rajesh Khanna’s real name was Jatin Khanna. He was fondly known by his nickname, ‘Kaka,’ by his friends and close family. He is globally recognized by the title ‘The First Superstar’ of Indian cinema.

Q2: What is Rajesh Khanna’s record of consecutive hits?

A: Rajesh Khanna holds the unbroken record of 17 consecutive box-office successes as the solo lead hero, delivered between the years 1969 and 1971.

Q3: Who was Rajesh Khanna married to and how many children did he have?

A: Rajesh Khanna was married to actress Dimple Kapadia (from 1973, separated 1982). They had two daughters: Twinkle Khanna (married to actor Akshay Kumar) and Rinke Khanna.

Q4: What was Rajesh Khanna’s estimated net worth at the time of his death?

A: At the time of his death in 2012, Rajesh Khanna’s estimated net worth was around $65 million or approximately ₹600 crores. His assets included his famous bungalow, Aashirwad.

Q5: In which year did Rajesh Khanna pass away, and what was the cause of death?

A: Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69 in Mumbai. The cause of his death was a battle with cancer.

Q6: What was Rajesh Khanna’s involvement in politics?

A: Rajesh Khanna was actively involved in politics and was a member of the Indian National Congress (INC). He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency from 1992 to 1996.