Rajesh Khanna, the legendary star, will always be touted as one of greatest actors of the industry and he is also known as the first superstar of the industry. He ruled Bollywood for quite some time before Amitabh Bachchan emerged as the next superstar of the industry.
In a candid throwback interview, late Bollywood icon Rajesh Khanna addressed a longstanding debate surrounding his and Amitabh Bachchan’s careers. Many fans and critics have speculated that if Rajesh Khanna remained active in the film industry during the 1970s, Amitabh Bachchan might not have risen to superstardom as quickly. Rajesh Khanna’s response, however, was one of humility and philosophical reflection.
The two actors shared screen space in “Anand” (1971), a film that has become a classic in Indian cinema. While Rajesh Khanna was already an established superstar, the movie marked a pivotal moment for Amitabh Bachchan who was still on the cusp of his stardom. In an interview, Rajesh recalled their collaboration on “Anand” and congratulated Amitabh on his eventual success.
Rajesh Khanna, reflecting on Amitabh Bachchan’s rise, expressed admiration and pride for the Shahenshah of Bollywood. He acknowledged the role of destiny in shaping their careers as he said that whatever a person has in his destiny and whatever work he gets, it is the will of the God.
He went on to express his happiness for Amitabh Bachchan’s achievements as he said that he would be happy and envy as well because the level of success that Amitabh has reached is a matter of pride not just for him but for the movie industry as well as the audiences.
Rajesh Khanna’s comments reflected his understanding that fate plays a significant role in success. His philosophical approach to the question of whether Amitabh Bachchan learned from him on the sets of “Anand” was equally grounded in humility. He remarked that no one learns from the other person, adding that it’s work which is needed to be done and it may be good or bad but it is neither small nor big.
The film “Anand” remains a milestone in the careers of both the actors. It showcased their talents in a heartfelt story that resonated with the audiences and critics alike. For Rajesh Khanna, “Anand” reaffirmed his position as a beloved star while for Amitabh Bachchan, it was a stepping stone toward the unparalleled stardom that awaited him.
Rajesh Khanna’s acknowledgment of Amitabh Bachchan’s rise, coupled with his philosophical outlook on success and work, shows a gracious acceptance of the changing dynamics of stardom in Bollywood. Both the actors contributed significantly to the film industry and their paths, while different, left an enduring legacy for generations to admire.
