Rajesh Khanna Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Real Name: Jatin Khanna

Nickname: Kaka, First Indian Superstar

Profession(s): Actor, Producer, Politician

Date of Birth: 29 December 1942

Age (as on 28 July 2012): 69 Years

Birthplace: Amritsar, Punjab, India

Zodiac sign: Capricorn

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Religion: Hinduism

Marriage Date: March 1973

Age: 69 Years

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EDUCATION

School: St. Sebastian’s Gaon High School, Mumbai

College: Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune K.C. College, Mumbai

Educational Qualification: B. A.

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): in centimeters- 173 cm in meters- 1.73 m in Feet Inches- 5’ 8”

Weight (approx.): in Kilograms- 88 kg in Pounds- 194 lbs

Eye Colour: Black

Hair Colour: White

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Family: Father – Lala Hiranand (Biological Father, Headmaster), Chunnilal Khanna (Adoptive Father) Mother – Chandrani Khanna (Biological Mother), Leelawati Khanna (Adoptive Mother) Brother – None Sister – Kamla

Marital Status (at the time of death): Divorced

Affairs/Girlfriends: Anju Mahendru, Fashion designer and Actress (1968-1972) Tina Ambani , Actress (1980-1987) Anita Advani (Rumoured)

Children: Sons – None Daughter – Twinkle Khanna , Interior Designer and Actress Rinke Khanna, Actress

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Debut: Film : Aakhri Khat (1966) Playback Singing : “O Mere Sajna, O Mere Balma” in film ‘Baharo k Sapne’ with Lata Mangeshkar Political : Rajesh Khanna started campaigning for the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1984.

OTHER INFORMATION

Date of Death: 28 July 2012

Place of Death: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Death Cause: Cancer

Address: Aashirwad, Carter Road, Bandra, Mumbai

Hobbies: Reading Horoscope, Cooking

Actors: Guru Dutt, Dilip Kumar

Actress: Meena Kumari, Geeta Bali

Colour: Red

Spouse(s): Dimple Kapadia , Actress (m. March 1973, div. April 1982)

Death Date: 28/07/2012

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Rajesh Khanna, a towering figure in Indian cinema, began life as an adopted child. He was taken in by Chunni Lal Khanna, a wealthy relative of his biological father. This fortunate turn of events provided Rajesh with a stable upbringing, nurturing his aspirations in a family that had the means to support his ambitions. His early education at St. Sebastian’s Gaon High School was shared with fellow actor Jitendra, where they forged a friendship that would last years. Rajesh took on the role of mentor, even helping Jitendra prepare for his first audition, demonstrating the camaraderie that often exists behind the glitz of the film industry.

During his formative years in the early 1960s, Rajesh Khanna’s love for automobiles became apparent as he owned an MG sports car, which he would drive to auditions during his struggling days. This passion for cars was inherited from his father, who owned an impressive collection of MG models, including the MG Magnette Mark IV and the MG MGA Roadster 1600. However, despite his growing interest in acting, Rajesh faced resistance from his father, who disapproved of his aspirations. Undeterred, he participated in a talent contest organized by Filmfare, where his remarkable skills shone through, earning him the top spot among 10,000 contestants—a pivotal moment that catapulted him into the world of cinema.

Rajesh Khanna’s film career took off with his debut movie, “Akhri Khat,” which garnered international recognition by being nominated for an Oscar and making it to the final five. His personal life, on the other hand, was marked by a long-term relationship with Anju Mahendru, whom he hoped to marry after seven years together. However, Anju’s reluctance to commit led to their separation, and in a poignant twist of fate, Rajesh passed through the same street where she lived on his way to marry Dimple Kapadia. His career was not just marked by romantic entanglements; he became known for his versatility, famously playing double roles in 12 films, including hits like “Aradhna” and “Kudrat,” demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences across genres.

Recognized as the first Bollywood actor to earn the title of ‘Super Star’ from film critics, Rajesh Khanna’s legacy is cemented by his remarkable filmography. Over a span of nearly three decades, he appeared in just 20 films that featured multiple male leads, a testament to his strong screen presence. He took an active role in the creation of his films’ music, often sitting in on recording sessions for his solo songs alongside the legendary Kishor Kumar, who lent his voice to most of Rajesh’s memorable tracks. One of the standout moments in his career was the iconic song “Roop Tera Mastana” from “Aradhna,” which was filmed in a single, breathtaking shot, further showcasing his commitment to authenticity in his performances. Over his illustrious 45-year career, Rajesh Khanna starred in around 180 films, leaving an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.

In 1992, Rajesh made a foray into politics, winning a by-election after a previous defeat to L.K. Advani in 1991, alleging electoral misconduct. This victory allowed him to serve as an MP for five years, during which he stepped away from acting, with the exception of the film “Khudai” in 1994. His journey through the realms of film and politics reflects a multifaceted persona, embodying the spirit of an era that celebrated his contributions to Indian cinema and beyond. Rajesh Khanna’s legacy continues to resonate, inspiring future generations of artists and fans alike.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.