Although Rajesh Khanna is no longer with us, the narrative of his rapid ascent to fame and the subsequent challenges he faced as his stardom waned continues to resonate. Regarded as the first true superstar of Hindi cinema, Khanna’s reign was exceptional, yet it proved to be short-lived. The landscape of the industry began to shift drastically with the emergence of Amitabh Bachchan and the groundbreaking success of his film Zanjeer in 1973. As Bachchan became the new icon of Hindi cinema, Khanna’s films started to struggle at the box office. Those close to him noted that this transition was particularly difficult for Khanna, leading him into a state of denial and significant frustration. Veteran actor Prem Chopra, a longtime friend, recently shared insights into this challenging period, emphasizing Khanna’s difficulty in accepting the end of his reign as the leading star.
During an interview with Vickey Lalwani, Chopra addressed Khanna’s decline candidly. When asked about Khanna’s attempts at a comeback with films like Avatar, Sautan, and Thodi Si Bewafai, Chopra conceded, “Yes, but in between, he messed it up a little.” He further elaborated that Khanna rarely spoke about his diminishing stardom. “Not really. He never discussed it. But I could feel it—it was difficult for him to digest failure, to accept that position after being at the top. He was frustrated. He couldn’t take it.” Chopra also noted that Khanna’s drinking habits intensified during this turbulent time, which he described as a common pattern for many actors facing similar challenges: “They either turn to alcohol or end their lives.”
Chopra proceeded to highlight the differences between Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, noting how the latter adapted to the changing dynamics of the industry. “The major difference is that Amitabh Bachchan accepted that he was no longer the sole lead carrying films on his shoulders. He embraced character roles and excelled in them. Every role he takes on now stands out.” Chopra recalled Bachchan’s remarkable comeback through television with Kaun Banega Crorepati, following the financial woes of his company ABCL. Despite experiencing significant setbacks, including the bankruptcy of his business, Bachchan demonstrated resilience and humility, successfully revitalizing his career with roles in films like Mohabbatein, often viewed as a case study in reinvention.
Reflecting on Bachchan’s dedication, Chopra noted that regardless of the varying accounts of how he secured his role in Mohabbatein, his commitment was evident: “He is extremely hardworking. He arrives on set before time and immerses himself in his characters. Such actors keep evolving and continue to achieve more.”
In contrast, Rajesh Khanna’s ascent remains legendary. Following the success of Aradhana in 1969, he experienced an unprecedented run of 15 consecutive hit films, attracting extensive attention from producers eager to collaborate with him. His fan following reached extraordinary levels, with some fans even writing letters in blood and symbolically marrying his car. However, this fervor was short-lived. The release of Zanjeer in 1973 marked a pivotal shift in audience preferences, transitioning from romantic leads to the “angry young man” persona exemplified by Amitabh Bachchan. As the market for Khanna’s romantic films dwindled, his personal battles intensified.
In a 1990s interview with Lehren, Khanna candidly admitted to feelings of envy regarding Bachchan’s success while expressing pride in his achievements: “He started working with me in Anand and now he has reached such great heights of fame. I not only congratulate him but also wish the best for him. Always happy to see him grow. I envy him that he started with us and has come a long way. It’s a matter of great pride for me and everyone in the industry.”
DISCLAIMER: This examination of the career transitions and personal challenges faced by iconic figures in cinema is intended for informational and entertainment purposes. It underscores the emotional difficulties and lifestyle choices, such as substance use, often associated with the pressures of fame and professional decline. This content should not be construed as professional psychological or medical advice.
Jyothi Jha is a skilled Copy Editor and multi-platform journalist at The Indian Express, where she focuses on high-stakes entertainment reporting and cinematic critique. With over six years of diverse experience at leading media outlets in India, she applies a rigorous, ethics-driven approach to digital storytelling and editorial oversight.
Experience & Career
Jyothi’s professional journey spans a wide array of roles across the media industry. Before joining The Indian Express’s editorial team, she developed her expertise in entertainment journalism with prominent national broadcasters, including NDTV, Republic Media, and TV9. Her background is not limited to written content; she has also excelled as an on-air anchor and has successfully led production teams in the demanding realms of Politics and Daily News. This comprehensive experience enables her to adeptly navigate the complexities of contemporary journalism.
Expertise & Focus Areas
Guided by the principle that “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want you to do,” Jyothi prioritizes transparent, accountability-driven reporting. Her primary areas of focus include:
Cinematic Analysis: Investigating the societal implications of mainstream Bollywood and South Indian films.
Gender Studies & Toxic Masculinity: A vocal critic of outdated stereotypes in Indian cinema, she frequently highlights the industry’s treatment of women and the necessity for social progress.
Box Office Dynamics & Industry Economics: Offering data-driven insights and analyses of film performance and superstar remuneration structures.
Exclusive Multimedia Features: Conducting in-depth interviews and long-form articles that connect the dots between the audience and the evolving landscape of cinema.
