The late legendary Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna, fondly known as the ‘First Superstar’ of Indian cinema, once reminisced about the extreme lengths his female fans went to in order to express their adoration. In a throwback interview, Rajesh Khanna opened up about a shocking trend from his heyday: receiving letters from female fans written in their own blood.
Khanna, whose death anniversary recently passed, ruled the silver screen in the 1960s and 70s with his charismatic performances and charm in a string of hits that included films like Aradhana, Anand, Amar Prem, and Kati Patang among others. His unique ability to connect with the audience, combined with his suave looks and emotive performances, made him the heartthrob of millions.
Khanna’s legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated, not just for his cinematic contributions but also for the fervent fan base he cultivated. In an old interview with Lehren when asked about receiving letters in blood, Rajesh Khanna recalled, “Ye sab cheezein main apni maa se bhi pucha karta tha. Meri maa ne ek din kahan ki tum pichle janam mein lagta hai kuch zyada hi romantic hoge. Maine bola kyu toh unhone kaha, ‘paidaishi aapka andaaz aashiqana hai.’ Toh humne kaha aashiqana hai tabhi toh romantic filmon mein kaam karte hai, family dramas mein kaam karte hai. Hum action hero toh kabhi rahe nahi aur na kabhi rehne ka shauk bhi tha. Aur romance se badh kar cheez kya hai? (I used to ask my mother about all these things. One day, she said to me, ‘It seems you were overly romantic in your past life.’ I asked why, and she replied, ‘You have a romantic style since birth.’ So, I said, ‘It’s indeed romantic, that’s why I work in romantic movies and family dramas. I’ve never been an action hero, nor did I ever have the desire to be one. And what is greater than romance? What is greater than love? Love is God. Love is the greatest. I chose that path, and it was God’s will).'”
Rajesh Khanna was married to Dimple Kapadia. Although they eventually lived separately, they never divorced. They have two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke.
