When Rajesh Khanna Asked 'Aap Jamme Rehte toh Amitabh Bachchan Superstar Na Hote': 'I'll Envy Him...'

In a memorable throwback interview, late actor Rajesh Khanna addressed the popular notion that if he had stayed active in the film industry, Amitabh Bachchan might never have risen to superstardom. The statement, often debated among fans and critics alike, surfaced during a conversation about the trajectory of Bollywood’s iconic stars.

Rajesh Khanna, who worked with Amitabh Bachchan in the classic film Anand, shared his thoughts with Lehren, emphasising the role of fate. Reflecting on Amitabh’s journey from their collaboration on Anand to his superstardom, Khanna extended his heartfelt congratulations to Big B. “I would envy him because achieving this status and success is truly a matter of pride, not just for him but for the entire industry, for us, and for the public as well," Khanna added.

“Khair jo jiski kismat hai aur jo jiska kaam hai, ye toh upar wale ki marzi hoti hai. Main toh ye kehna chaahunga jab unhone mere saath ‘Anand’ mein kaam shuru kiya aur aaj iss mukaam par pahuche, main bahut hi unko mubarakbaad dunga. I’ll be happy for him and I’ll envy him ki iss mukaam par pahuchna ye kamiyaabi haasil karna bahut hi garv ki baat hai, sirf unke liye hi nahi par industry ke liye bhi, humare liye bhi aur janta ke liye bhi," Khanna said.

The two actors worked closely on Anand, a film that remains a milestone in Indian cinema. The movie, celebrated for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances, was a turning point for both actors. While Khanna was already an established superstar, Bachchan was on the brink of his star status, and their collaboration only amplified his rise.

When asked whether Amitabh Bachchan worked with him or learned from him during the making of Anand, Khanna provided a philosophical take on the nature of work. “One does not learn work from anyone. Work is something that is done. Work is neither small nor big; it is either good or bad," he said.

The two actors worked closely on Anand, a film that remains a milestone in Indian cinema. The movie, celebrated for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances, was a turning point for both actors. While Khanna was already an established superstar, Bachchan was on the brink of his star status, and their collaboration only amplified his rise.

When asked whether Amitabh Bachchan worked with him or learned from him during the making of Anand, Khanna provided a philosophical take on the nature of work. “One does not learn work from anyone. Work is something that is done. Work is neither small nor big; it is either good or bad," he said.