Rajesh Khanna

Classic 1966–2015

Bollywood’s first true “superstar,” Rajesh Khanna set off unprecedented fan hysteria with an astonishing run of consecutive hits from 1969. His soft romantic charisma and Kishore Kumar’s playback voice defined an era. “Kaka” remains the benchmark for pure stardom.

Honours: Three Filmfare Best Actor awards; Filmfare Lifetime Achievement.

Filmography

The 1970s–80s

1971

Anand

Drama Dir. Hrishikesh Mukherjee

“Babumoshai…” — the beloved tale of a terminally ill man who lives fully.

The Golden Era

1969

Aradhana

Romance Dir. Shakti Samanta

Launched “Kaka” superstardom and Kishore Kumar’s golden run.

Signature Roles

Amar Prem

Kati Patang

Haathi Mere Saathi

Best known for: Aradhana · Anand · Amar Prem · Kati Patang · Haathi Mere Saathi

Did You Know?

He delivered a record 15 consecutive solo-hero hits at his peak.
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) has run continuously at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir cinema for decades — the longest theatrical run in film history.
Sholay (1975) ran for over five years at Mumbai’s Minerva theatre and its dialogues are quoted to this day.
Mother India (1957) was India’s first film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

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