In the vast and illustrious history of Indian cinema, few names shine as brightly as Rajesh Khanna.
Rajesh Khanna ruled Bollywood in the late 1960s and early 1970s with an unparalleled fan following. His charm, acting prowess, and relatability to connect with audiences made him a legend. He set the benchmark for stardom in India, creating an aura that no actor before him had experienced.
That's why, long before Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan rose to fame, actor Rajesh Khanna reached unparalleled heights in Indian cinema. The Bollywood superstar, who passed away in 2012, was born on this day to rule the Indian cinema and became a phenomenon.
Even after all these years, he remains as popular as ever. On his birth anniversary, let’s look at what made him the first superstar of Bollywood.
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Unmatched stardom and box office dominance
Rajesh Khanna’s rise was not gradual; it was explosive at that time. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, his popularity reached levels Indian cinema had never seen before. He enjoyed an almost devotional fan following, especially among women. From love letters written in blood to lipstick marks on his car and fans marrying his photographs, the frenzy around him was extraordinary and unprecedented. This intense emotional connection with audiences turned him into a phenomenon rather than just a successful actor.
At the box office, his dominance was historic. During his prolific career spanning from the mid-1960s to the early 2010s, Rajesh Khanna delivered numerous hit films. Most notably, he achieved an unbroken streak of 15 solo hit films between 1969 and 1971, a record that remains unmatched. Films like Aradhana and Anand not only became commercial successes but also etched his image permanently into the heart of Indian cinema.
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Screen magic in his signature style
What truly set Rajesh Khanna apart was his screen presence. His unique dialogue delivery, romantic expression, and emotional depth made him instantly recognisable. His style of speaking; soft, expressive, and deeply emotional, became iconic and widely imitated. Beyond romance, he showed remarkable versatility, portraying a wide range of characters with ease. His critically acclaimed performances in films like Bawarchi proved that he was not just a star, but a serious actor who could handle nuanced roles.
Rajesh Khanna’s influence went far beyond cinema. He became a cultural trendsetter, shaping fashion and lifestyle choices across the country. His buttoned-up kurtas, guru shirts, scarves, and distinctive hairstyles were copied by millions. He defined what it meant to be stylish and aspirational in that era.
Together, his massive popularity, box office supremacy, powerful performances, and cultural influence earned Rajesh Khanna the title of India’s first superstar, a stature built not by publicity but by pure public love and cinematic magic.
