Rajesh Khanna (pronounced [rɑːˈdʒeːʃ kʰənˈnə]) (pronunciation (help·info); born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer and politician who worked in Hindi films. Dubbed the "First Superstar of Hindi cinema",[2][3] he consecutively starred in a record 15 successful films between 1969 and 1971.[4][5][6][7] He was the highest-paid actor in Hindi cinema throughout the 1970s and 1980s.[8] His accolades include four BFJA Awards and five Filmfare Awards, and in 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour. Khanna made his debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat which was India's first official Oscar Entry in 1967.[9] In 2005, he was honoured with the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award on the 50th anniversary of the Filmfare Awards.[10][11] He was a Member of Parliament in the 10th Lok Sabha from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency between 1992 and 1996, elected in the 1992 New Delhi by-election as an Indian National Congress candidate.[12] He was married to Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, eight months before her debut film Bobby was released and had two daughters from the marriage. Their elder daughter Twinkle Khanna is an actress who is married to actor Akshay Kumar, while they also have a younger daughter Rinke Khanna.[13] Khanna died on 18 July 2012, after a period of illness.[14] He has been honoured with a stamp and statue in his likeness, and a road renamed after him by the Prime Minister of India. In 2014, his biography Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India's First Superstar by Yasser Usman was published by Penguin Books.[15] In 2022, his biography "Rajesh Khanna The Most Versatile Superstar Actor of Hindi Cinema" written by Narayanan Subramanian was released.[16] In 2018, a one kilometre fitness trail in Lajpat Nagar National Park was named after Khanna, which was inaugurated by his wife Dimple Kapadia.[17]Read less
Rajesh Khanna, born Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Burewala, Pakistan, was a legendary Indian actor, film producer, and politician. He rose to superstardom in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, becoming a phenomenon popularly referred to as "Kaka" by his fans.
Khanna's career began with the All India Talent Contest, which he won. He made his acting debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat. His breakthrough came with Aradhana (1969), which catapulted him to immense fame. He followed this with a string of successful films like Do Raaste, Sachaa Jhutha, Haathi Mere Saathi, Anand, and Amar Prem. He delivered 15 consecutive solo hit films from 1969 to 1971, a record that remains unbroken.
Later in his career, he starred in films like Avtaar, Souten, and Awaaz. He also ventured into film production and politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from 1991 to 1996.
Rajesh Khanna's romantic persona and acting style captivated audiences. He was known for his expressive eyes, unique mannerisms, and dialogue delivery. His films often explored themes of love, loss, and social issues. His impact on Hindi cinema is undeniable, with his style influencing many actors that followed.
Khanna was married to actress Dimple Kapadia and had two daughters, Twinkle Khanna (who later became an actress and author) and Rinke Khanna.
Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, in Mumbai after a period of illness. His death was mourned by millions of fans across India and the world. He continues to be remembered as a cinematic icon and one of the most popular actors in the history of Hindi cinema.
While Rajesh Khanna himself was not active on social media due to the era he lived in, various fan pages and memorial accounts exist online dedicated to celebrating his life and work. Information about his filmography and legacy can be found on websites such as IMDb and various online archives devoted to Indian cinema.
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