As Hindi cinema marks Rajesh Khanna's 83rd birth anniversary, it remembers an actor whose rise reshaped the very idea of stardom in India. Renowned for being the country's first and true superstar, Khanna enjoyed a level of popularity that still remains unmatched-from record-breaking box-office runs to an emotional bond with audiences beyond the screen.
Born on December 29, 1942, Rajesh Khanna started his career with Aakhri Khat, which became India's official entry to the Academy Awards in 1967. The result was an astonishing run between 1969 and 1971, with Khanna delivering 17 successive hits-a feat yet to be repeated. At his peak, he was also the highest-paid actor in the industry.
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On his birth anniversary, here's a look back at some of the films which essentially defined his career.
Kati Patang
Helmed by Shakti Samanta, Kati Patang paired Rajesh Khanna with Asha Parekh in a musical drama dealing with love, loss, and redemption. Khanna's subtle charm and emotional depth created a film that would go on to be one of his most enduring success stories.
Bawarchi
In Hrishikesh Mukherjee's gentle comedy-drama, Khanna played an unassuming cook who quietly heals a fractured family. The performance depended on his warmth, rather than any hint of star power or display, reinforcing his ability to command a screen without spectacle.
Roti
Produced under Khanna's own banner and directed by Manmohan Desai, Roti showcased him in a much darker role of a condemned criminal searching for humanity and belonging. The film reflected his willingness to experiment beyond romantic leads.
Daag: A Poem of Love
This Yash Chopra movie marked the beginning of Yash Raj Films. Adapted from Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge, Khanna portrayed a man who was haunted by past violence, delivering one of his most complex performances.
Haathi Mere Saathi
One of the major box-office successes of that time, the M. A. Thirumugam-directed film went deep into the hearts of family audiences. Khanna's bonding with the elephants became symbolic of innocence, loyalty and emotional storytelling.
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Anand
This movie created perhaps his most celebrated role, Anand where he is paired with Amitabh Bachchan. His portrayal of a terminally ill man embracing life gave Hindi cinema one of its most quoted lines and remains a benchmark for emotional realism.
The influence of Rajesh Khanna extended much beyond his work. Popular music, romance, and even the audience's expectations of Hindi cinema were all impacted by his performances.
