Rajesh Khanna: The meteoric rise and fleeting brilliance of India's debut superstar

Bollywood actors of today often struggle to consistently deliver hit films one after another. In contrast, India's inaugural superstar, Rajesh Khanna, managed to achieve an astounding feat by delivering 17 consecutive hits that captivated audiences with his performances. Regrettably, his meteoric rise to stardom lasted only three years. With a filmography that spans over 180 films, he dominated the industry and held the distinction of being the highest-earning actor from 1970 to 1987.

Born Jatin Chunnilal Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, he was affectionately known by various monikers such as Kaka, RK, Shehzada, The Original King of Romance, and Pasha of Passion, earning one particularly significant title – India's first superstar. His legacy in Indian cinema remains unparalleled.

Rajesh Khanna's entry into the film world occurred in 1965 when he embarked on the filming of his debut, "Raaz." Notably, he set records for starring in the most solo lead roles and the fewest multi-starrer films in Hindi cinema, as documented by IMDb. He initially tasted success with movies like "Aakhri Khat," "Raaz," and "Aurat." His impact was so potent that fan fervor compelled a director to alter the tragic ending of "Baharon Ke Sapne" to a joyful one. However, it was Shakti Samanta's "Aradhana" in 1969 that catapulted him into a realm of super-stardom, garnering him the title of India's first superstar. His extraordinary run encompassed an astonishing 17 hits consecutively from 1969 to 1971.

For a span of seven years, from 1969 to 1977, Rajesh Khanna reigned as India's unrivaled superstar until he was eventually joined by Amitabh Bachchan. He etched his name into history by achieving a world record of 17 successive super-hits within a mere three years, including an impressive 15 solo super-hit films and two dual-hero films, "Andaz" and "Maryada."

Despite his unparalleled successes, the years between 1976 and 1978 were characterized by a mixed box office record. While he secured five hits as a lead actor and three hits in guest appearances, he also encountered eight main-lead flops, although the critics applauded his acting and the music of these films. This phase marked a challenging period in his career. He even ventured into film production, helming three films and co-producing four. In 1991, he exited the film industry to enter politics and became a member of Parliament, aligning himself with the Congress party.

In his personal life, Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia in 1973. He welcomed two daughters – Twinkle Khanna, born in 1974 (a former actress, author, and wife of Akshay Kumar), and Rinke, born on June 29, 1977, who also briefly pursued an acting career.

Tragically, Rajesh Khanna's life was cut short by a battle with cancer, leading to his passing on July 18, 2012. Nevertheless, his indelible legacy lives on as he is fondly remembered and revered by the masses. His unparalleled performances and contributions to Indian cinema continue to shine brightly.