Rajesh Khanna “ The Phenomenon ” passed away....
Achchha to hum chalte hai
Three memorable movies of Rajesh Khanna (below)
RAJESH KHANNA “ THE PHENOMENON ” and “THE FIRST SUPERSTAR” of INDIAN CINEMA
Rajesh Khanna (born as Jatin Khanna on 29 December 1942) was an Indian actor of Hindi films, and had been Hindi film producer and an Indian politician.
He appeared in 163 films of which 106 had him as the solo lead hero and 22 were two hero projects. He won three Filmfare Best Actor Awards and was nominated for the same fourteen times. He received the maximum BFJA Awards for Best Actor (Hindi) – four times and nominated 25 times. He was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Khanna is referred to as the "First Superstar" of Hindi cinema.He made his debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat and rose to prominence with his performances in films like Raaz, Baharon Ke Sapne, Ittefaq and Aradhana.
Details
Screen Name------- Rajesh Khanna
Real Name---------- Jatin Khanna
Nick Name --------- Kaka
Popular Name------ RK
DOB------------------ 29 December 1942
DOD------------------ 18 July 2012 (age 69)
POB------------------- Amritsar, Punjab, India
POD------------------- Mumbai
Occupation----------- Film actor and producer
Years active--------- 1966–present (actor) 1991–1996 (politics)1971–1995 (producer)
Spouse---------------- Dimple Kapadia (1973–1984)
Daughters----------- Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna
Sons-in-law---------- Akshay Kumar and Samir Saran
GrandChildren----- Aarav
Early life
Rajesh Khanna was born in Amritsar on 29 December 1942. He was adopted and raised by foster parents who were relatives of his biological parents. Rajesh Khanna lived in Thakurdwar near Girgaon. Khanna attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School in Girgaum, along with his friend Ravi Kapoor, who later took the stage name Jeetendra. Their mothers were friends.Rajesh Khanna gradually started taking interest in theatre and did a lot of stage and theater plays in his school and college days and won many prizes in the inter college drama competitions. Rajesh Khanna became a rare newcomer who struggled in his own MG sports car to get work in theatre and films in the early sixties.Both friends later studied in Kishinchand Chellaram College(KC).When Jeetendra went for his first film audition, it was Khanna who tutored him. Khanna's uncle changed Khanna's first name to Rajesh when Khanna decided to join films. His friends and his wife call him Kaka.
Personal life
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rajesh Khanna fell in love with the then fashion designer and actress Anju Mahendru.They were in the relationship for seven years. Mahendru states that the couple did not speak to each other for 17 years after the breakup.
Later Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, six months before Dimple's debut film Bobby released and has two daughters from the marriage.Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia separated in 1984 as his schedule kept him away much of the time and Dimple became interested in pursuing an acting career,and thereafter lived separately, but did not complete the divorce proceedings.In the eighties Tina Munim was romantically involved with Khanna till the time she decided to leave the industry to pursue her higher studies.
Years of separation brought about mutual understanding between Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia.Reporter Dinesh Raheja stated that “the bitterness between Rajesh and Dimple washed away", noting that they are seen together at parties and that Dimple campaigned for Khanna's election and also worked in his film Jai Shiv Shankar.
Their elder daughter Twinkle Khanna, an interior decorator and a former film actress, is married to actor Akshay Kumar
while their younger daughter Rinke Khanna, also a former Hindi film actress,is married to a London-based investment banker Samir Saran.
Early career (1966–1975)
Rajesh Khanna was one of eight finalists in the 1965 All India Talent Contest organised by United Producers and Filmfare from more than ten thousand contestants. Subsequently Khanna won the contest.
He made his film debut in the 1966 film Aakhri Khat directed by Chetan Anand, followed by Raaz directed by Ravindra Dave both of which were a part of his predetermined prize for winning the All-India United Producers’ Talent Competition. G.P. Sippy and Nasir Hussain were the first to sign Rajesh Khanna after he won the contest.
Being under contract with United Producers, he got projects like Aurat, Doli and Ittefaq. He was then noticed for his performances in films like Baharon Ke Sapne, Aurat (1967), Doli, Aradhana and Ittefaq. Later Waheeda Rehman suggested Asit Sen to take Khanna for the lead role in Khamoshi.
Superstardom
Through ' Aradhana ' he rose to "instant national fame" and film critics referred to him as the first superstar of India.In that film, Rajesh Khanna was cast in a double role (father and son) opposite Sharmila Tagore and Farida Jalal. The film also saw the resurgence of Kishore Kumar, who eventually became the official playback voice of Rajesh Khanna.
The Kishore Kumar-Rajesh Khanna combination worked miracles and it was almost impossible to see them as separate identities. They became a singer-actor duo and together they gave many songs till 1991.Several songs sung by Kishore Kumar in the 1970s were based on Rajesh Khanna.
Then in year 1971, Haathi Mere Saathi became the biggest hit and also became the biggest grosser ever till then.
Rajesh and Mumtaz
Rajesh acted alongside Mumtaz in eight successful films.They were neighbours and got along very well, and as a result they shared a great on-screen chemistry.
After Khanna married, Mumtaz decided to marry millionaire Mayur Madhwani in 1974. At the time, she was doing three films Aap ki Kasam, Roti and Prem Kahani with Khanna. She decided to quit movies only after completing these films. When she left films Khanna felt very lost. In one of her interviews, Mumtaz was quoted saying "I would pull his leg and tease him about his fan following. Whenever Rajesh entered a hotel in Madras, there was a queue of 600 girls waiting to see him at midnight. As a result, even I would get some importance, as people would ask for my autograph as well. He was very generous with his associates, and would party a lot."
Music remained one of the biggest attractions of all Rajesh Khanna films throughout his career. Many of the musical scores for Khanna's films were composed by Sachin Dev Burman, R.D. Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The trio of Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar and R.D. Burman went on to make a number of popular films, including Kati Patang, Amar Prem, Shehzada, Apna Desh, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee, Namak Haraam, Maha Chor, Karm, Phir Wohi Raat, Aanchal, Kudrat, Ashanti, Agar Tum Na Hote, Awaaz, Hum Dono and Alag Alag.
Rajesh Khanna had 15 consecutive solo superhits between 1969 to 1972, which is still an unbroken record in Indian film history.The commercial success of his films declined during 1976–78.In calculation of the 15 films, 2 hero films like Maryada,Andaz and films with box office result as hits were excluded -Mere Jeevan Saathi, Choti Bahu and Shehzada.
Career [ 1976–1978 ]
Between 1976 and 1978,Rajesh Khanna acted in nine films that were not commercially successful. Seven of these were critically acclaimed and have achieved strong cult status over the years among the viewers and these films included Mehbooba, Bundal Baaz, Tyaag, Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein, Naukri, Chakravyuha and Janata Havaldar which were directed by Shakti Samanta, Shammi Kapoor, Din Dayal Sharma, Meeraj, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee and Mehmood Ali, respectively. Rajesh Khanna persuaded Samanta to cast his sister-in-law Simple Kapadia opposite him in Anurodh. Films starring Rajesh Khanna and directed by Shakti Samanta tended to be commercially successful, but Mehbooba was an exception.
The change from romantic and social movies to action oriented multi-starrers caused the decline of Khanna's career in terms of box office ratings to some extent. The declaration of emergency in India had angered the masses and this helped films having the lead character revolting against corruption becoming successes. Actor Joy Mukherjee made Chhailla Babu, a suspense thriller in 1977, which became the only successful film of his as a director and the unexpected success of the Chhailla Babu gave a boost to the career of Khanna. However, Khanna continued basically in solo hero social sober household meaningful films during this era and played a variety of characters in films of various genres. During this phase too he had box office hits like Maha Chor, Chhailla Babu, Anurodh and Karm.
Later career (1979–present)
After 1978, Khanna starred in critically acclaimed commercially successful films such as Amardeep, Phir Wohi Raat, Bandish, Thodisi Bewafaii, Dard, Kudrat, Dhanwan, Avtaar, Agar Tum Na Hote, Souten, Jaanwar, Asha Jyoti, Awaaz, Naya Kadam, Hum Dono, Babu, Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar, Shatru, Insaaf Main Karoonga, Anokha Rishta, Nazrana, Angaarey, Adhikar (1986) and Amrit(from 1979–1991). Director Bharathiraja decided to remake his 1978 Tamil box office hit film "Sigappu Rojakkal" in Hindi with Khanna playing the role of a psychopath. Kamal Haasan who played the same role in Tamil won South Filmfare Best Actor Award for his portrayal. But the Hindi movie was seen as controversial by traditional and orthodox Hindi moviegoers and was not a commercial success, although Khanna's performance has been rated later higher by critics than the original.
Rajesh Khanna and Tina Munim
Tina Munim and Rajesh Khanna became the leading on and off screen couple of the 80’s with hits like Fiffty Fiffty, Suraag, Souten, Aakhir Kyun, Bewafai, Insaaf Main Karoonga and Adhikar(1986). Ram Awatar Agnihotri wrote that Tina Munim showed the first sparks of the dedicated actress she would become in the films "Alag Alag" and "Adhikar", both with Khanna.
He also acted in the Marathi hit film "Sundara Satarkar" in 1981. He has performed in the least number of multi-starrer films in comparison to his contemporaries and portrayed the central character in the few multistarrers he acted. Khanna delivered multi-starrer superhits like Rajput, Dharam Aur Kanoon, Zamana, Dil-E-Nadan, Ashanti, Awam (film) and Ghar Ka Chiraag. He did three potboiler movies with Jeetendra, which were blockbusters-Dharam Kanta, Nishaan and Maqsad. In the year 1984, his film Maqsad became the 2nd highest box office superhit film earning 8.5 crores.Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar is one of the memorable political films of Rajesh Khanna. Khanna played the character of a corrupt politician in this film. Viewers praised his role in the film.The year 1985 saw him turn a producer with Alag Alag. Eleven films, with Khanna in the lead, released in 1985 and seven of these became hits and in addition had two films with him in special appearance. Before joining politics one of his last films as the lead hero was Swarg released in 1990.
He experimented with films of different genres like tragedy in Babu as a rickshaw puller, thriller in Redrose as a psycopath, political adventure in Awam, negative roles in Dhanwan and Redrose, fantasy in Bundalbaaz and Jaanwar, crime in Phir Wohi Raat and Angarey, suspense in Chakravyuha and Iteefaq, comedy in Hum Dono and Masterji, action in Ashanti, family dramas like Aanchal and Amrit and Agar Tum Na Hote, variety of social films like Avtaar, Naya Kadam, Akhir Kyun and with different themes like reincarnation theme in Kudrat, patriotism in Prem Kahani, immature young love theme handled in different ways in films like Anokha Rishta, Nazrana and Dil E Nadan and did college romance in Bandish. He has played variety of characters as the lead hero – as a postman in Palkon Ki Chaon Mein, as a lawyer who proves that his senior has committed a rape 25 years earlier in Kudrat, as a politician in Aaj Ka MLA Ram Avtaar, as a young musician forced by fate to marry two women in Asha Jyoti, as professional advocate in Awaaz, fisherman in Prem Bandhan, a revolutionary patriot who is torn apart by love and policeman like in Prem Kahanai, as a righteous farmer in Bandhan etc.
From the early nineties onwards he stopped acting and served as M.P. of New Delhi Constituency from 1991 to 1996. During that period, he returned to acting, appearing in Khudai(1994). He made a comeback as a NRI in Aa Ab Laut Chalen(1999), and Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa(2002). In September 2007, he officially announced his planned return to the big screen, signing a contract for several new films, including some television serials.
Television
Rajesh Khanna is a life member of the International Film And Television Research Centre, the International Film And Television Club and the Asian Academy of Film & Television. He is the Guest Faculty of 'Specialized Cinema Courses At Asian School Of Media Studies'. On 10 April 1999 Khanna inaugurated the live concert of S.P. Balasubramanyam held at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad as a tribute to Pancham. In 2001 and 2002, Rajesh played the lead in two television serials: Aapne Parai (B4U & DD Metro) and Ittefaq (Zee TV). He performed in a video album based on Tagore's songs (Rabindra Sangeet) without payment. He also endorsed Star se Superstar tak – a talent hunt programme in 2007 and donated a Gold Trophy of Rs.1 crore. In its Silver Jubilee Episode on 14–15 March 2008, K for Kishore aired a Rajesh Khanna special. He signed on to star in a TV serial with Creative Eye Banner (Dhiraj Kumar) in 2007, and in 2008 performed in a TV serial, Bhabhima, with Leena Ganguly as his co-star. His successful TV serial Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi began in November 2008 and ended in September 2009. Khanna cites the lack of good roles for actors like him in the films these days. He said in an interview on being queried about his decision to do TV serials, "The reach of TV is much more than cinema today and one episode of my serial is likely to be watched by more people than a super-hit film". In 2009, on his 67th birthday, Shemaroo Entertainment released his films and a song collection titled Screen Legends-Rajesh Khanna-the Original Superstar.
In May 2012, Havells, the fan making company endorsed Khanna as Brand Ambassador for their new ad campaign featuring him in solo advertisements.
Political career
Rajesh Khanna was a member of Parliament for the Congress Party, from the New Delhi constituency, where he won the 1992 by-election, retaining his seat until the 1996 election.He has since been a political activist for the Congress Party.
Business career
Rajesh Khanna and a group of foreign investors have bought land in Shirdi on which they plan to build a religious resort for disciples of Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Health
In June, 2012, it was reported that Rajesh Khanna's health had been deterorating for some time,On 23 June 2012 he was admitted to Lilavati Hospital due to some health complications .
Death
Rajesh Khanna ,the India's first superstar, died in Mumbai on Wednesday, 18 July 2012 at his residence 'Aashirvad'
Khanna, 69, had been unwell for several months and had been discharged from hospital earlier this week.
His funeral took place at Pawan Hans Crematorium, vile Parle onThursday,19 July 2012.
Rajesh Khanna’s last words:-
`Time ho gaya hai, pack up’
Even as his fanatic fans hoped and prayed for his recovery, somewhere deep inside his heart, the thespian might have realised it was time for him to bid good bye. And hence he uttered “Time ho gaya hai, pack up” before resting forever.
Rajesh Khanna's Signature
Rajesh Khanna's funeral
At 10.15 am on Thursday ,19 July, India's first superstar's funeral procession left from his home 'Aashirwad'.
Rajesh Khanna was laid in a transparent casket in a vehicle adorned with white flowers. Dimple Kapadia and the family stood by the casket.
Family and the thousands of fans bid adieu to Indian cinema's king of romance, as his grandson Aarav lit the pyre.
Anju Mahendru stood by Dimple,s side all through at the crematorium. Rajesh Khanna's family, relatives and several Bollywood hotshots including Karan Johar, Kiran Bedi, Raza Murad, Raj Babbar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee and many others were present during the last rites. From media to Bollywood stars to thousands of fans, everyone was there to get the last glimpse of the king of romance
The condolence meet was held on Saturday, 21 July.
Filmography
Year Film
** Actor
* 1966 Aakhri Khat
* 1967 Raaz
* 1967 Baharon Ke Sapne
* 1967 Aurat
* 1968 Shrimanji
* 1969 Aradhana
* 1969 Ittefaq
* 1969 Doli
* 1969 Bandhan
* 1969 Do Raaste
* 1970 Khamoshi
* 1970 The Train
* 1970 Sachaa Jhutha (Double Role)
* 1970 Safar
* 1971 Kati Patang
* 1971 Anand
* 1971 Aan Milo Sajna
* 1971 Andaz
* 1971 Maryada
* 1971 Chhoti Bahu
* 1971 Haathi Mere Saathi
* 1971 Guddi ( Himself )
* 1971 Mehboob Ki Mehndi
* 1971 Badnaam Farishte
* 1972 Dushman
* 1972 Amar Prem
* 1972 Apna Desh
* 1972 Dil Daulat Duniya
* 1972 Bawarchi
* 1972 Joroo Ka Ghulam
* 1972 Mere Jeevan Sathi
* 1972 Maalik
* 1972 Shehzada
* 1972 Anuraag
* 1973 Raja Rani
* 1973 Daag
* 1973 Namak Haraam
* 1973 Avishkaar
* 1973 Bombay Superstar ( A BBC Production )
* 1974 Humshakal
* 1974 Aap Ki Kasam
* 1974 Prem Nagar
* 1974 5 Rifles (Special Appearance)
* 1974 Ajnabee
* 1974 Roti (Co-Produced by Rajesh Khanna)
* 1974 Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi (Special Appearance)
* 1975 Prem Kahani
* 1975 Aakraman (Special Appearance)
* 1976 Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun [Punjabi]( Special Appearance)
* 1976 Maha Chor
* 1976 Bundal Baaz
* 1976 Ginny Aur Johnny (Special Appearance)
* 1976 Mehbooba
* 1977 Tyaag
* 1977 Karm
* 1977 Chhailla Babu
* 1977 Chalta Purza
* 1977 Anurodh
* 1977 Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka
* 1977 Aaina (Special Appearance)
* 1977 Hatyara (Special Appearance)
* 1977 Tinku (Special Appearance)
* 1977 Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein
* 1978 Chakravyuha
* 1978 Bhola Bhala (Double Role)
* 1978 Naukri
* 1979 Naya Bakra (Special Appearance)
* 1979 Cinema Cinema (Special Appearance)
* 1979 Til Til Dalekha [Punjabi]
* 1979 Muqabla ( Special Appearance )
* 1979 Janata Havaldar
* 1979 Shaitan Mujrim ( Special Appearance )
* 1979 Majnoon
* 1979 Bebus
* 1979 Amar Deep
* 1979 Prem Bandhan
* 1980 Phir Wohi Raat
* 1980 Bandish
* 1980 Thodisi Bewafaii
* 1980 Red Rose
* 1980 Aanchal
* 1981 Kudrat
* 1981 Sundara Satar [Marathi] (Special Appearance)
* 1981 Dhanwan
* 1981 Dard (Double Role )
* 1981 Naseeb ( as Himself Special Appearance )
* 1981 Dushman Dost
* 1981 Bharos
* 1981 Fiffty Fiffty
* 1981 Khoon Aur Paani (Special Appearance)
* 1982 Dil-E-Nadaan
* 1982 Ashanti
* 1982 Suraag (Special Appearance)
* 1982 Rajput
* 1982 Dharam Kanta
* 1982 Ayaash (Special Appearance)
* 1983 Jaanwar
* 1983 Nishaan
* 1983 Souten
* 1983 Avtaar
* 1983 Agar Tum Na Hote
* 1983 Disco Dancer (Supporting role)
* 1983 Film Hi Film (Special Appearance)
* 1984 Paapi Pet Ka Sawaal Hai
* 1984 Dharm Aur Qanoon
* 1984 Awaaz
* 1984 Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar
* 1984 Asha Jyoti
* 1984 Maqsad
* 1984 Naya Kadam
* 1985 Oonche Log
* 1985 Zamana
* 1985 Hum Dono ( Double Role)
* 1985 Masterji
* 1985 Insaaf Main Karoonga
* 1985 Durgaa (Special Appearance)
* 1985 Aakhir Kyon?
* 1985 Bewafai
* 1985 Alag Alag (Produced by Rajesh Khanna)
* 1985 Babu
* 1985 Ram Tere Kitne Nam ( Himself )
* 1985 Aar Paar
* 1985 Bayen Haath Ka Khel
* 1985 Awara Baap
* 1986 Shatru
* 1986 Om
* 1986 Waapsi
* 1986 Mohabbat Ki Kasam
* 1986 Angaaray
* 1986 Amrit
* 1986 Adhikar
* 1986 Nasihat
* 1986 Anokha Rishta
* 1987 Sitapur Ki Geeta
* 1987 Nazrana
* 1987 Awam
* 1987 Goraa
* 1987 Raj Kapoor
* 1988 Woh Phir Aayegi
* 1988 Vijay ( Supporting Role )
* 1989 Main Tera Dushman ( Guest Appearance )
* 1989 Mamta ki Chhaon Mein ( Special Appearance )
* 1989 Police Ke Peechhe Police ( Produced by Rajesh Khanna )
* 1989 Ghar Ka Chiraag
* 1989 Paap Ka Ant (Special Appearance)
* 1990 Swarg
* 1990 Jai Shiv Shankar ( Produced by Rajesh Khanna )
* 1990 Dushman
* 1991 Ghar Parivar
* 1991 Rupaye Dus Karod
* 1991 Begunah
* 1994 Khudai
* 1995 Kis Kaam Ke Yeh Rishte
* 1996 Sautela Bhai
* 1999 Aa Ab Laut Chalen
* 2001 Pyaar Zindagi Hai
* 2002 Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa ( Supporting role )
* 2006 Jaana... Let's Fall in Love ( Special Appearance )
* 2007 Om Shanti Om (Special Appearance)
* 2008 Wafa
* 2009 Kash Mere Hote ( Supporting role)
* 2010 Do Dilon Ke Khel Mein ( Supporting role )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Producer
* Year Film
* 1985 Alag Alag
* 1989 Police Ke Peeche Police
* 1990 Jai Shiv Shankar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Co-Producer
* Year Film
* 1971 Mehboob Ki Mehndi
* 1974 Roti
* 1995 Barsaat
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Playback Singer
* Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)
* Safar (1970)
* Raja Rani (1973)
* Shehzada (1972)
* Amar Prem (1972)
* Daag (1973)
* Ajnabee
* Souten (1983)
Awards, honours and recognitions
Filmfare Awards
Won
1971 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Sachaa Jhutha
1972 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Anand
1973 – Filmfare Special Guest Actor Award for Anuraag (1973 film)
1975 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Avishkaar
1991 – Filmfare Special Award for completing 25 years in the Indian Film Industry as the main male lead hero with 101 films as the solo lead hero and starring in just 21 two hero films till 1991.
2005 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (Golden Jubilee function)
Nominated
1970 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Aradhana
1970 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Ittefaq
1972 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Kati Patang
1973 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Dushman (1971 film)
1973 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Amar Prem
1974 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Daag: A Poem of Love
1975 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Prem Nagar
1980 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Amardeep
1981 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Thodisi Bewafaii
1982 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Dard (1981 film)
1984 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Avtaar
Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards
Rajesh Khanna has been nominated for Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards Best Actor for the maximum number of times - 25 times (a record) and won 4 of them.
1972 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Anand
1973 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Bawarchi
1974 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Namak Haraam
1987 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Amrit (film)
Pride of the Film Industry Award
2005 Rajesh Khanna was awarded the `Pride of Film Industry Award'
Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award
2008 Phalke Legendary Golden Actor Award at Mumbai on the occasion of Dada Saheb Phalke Birth day celebration.
IIFA Award
2009 Lifetime Achievement Award for Super Star Rajesh Khanna in Macau, China
Tamil Cine World Award
2009 All India Film Workers Association Life Time Achievement Award
International Pune Film Festival Award
2010 Life Time Achievement Award
Bollywood Awards
2004 Lifetime of Glamour award at the Kingfisher Bollywood Fashion Awards
2004 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood Awards held in US
Zee Cine Awards
2001 Zee Cine Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Indian Cinema
Sansui Film Awards
2001 Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Third Sansui Film Awards held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
All India Critics Association Award
1985 All-India Critics Association (AICA) Best Actor Award in 1985 at Calcutta for Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar
Apsara Awards
2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Major Contribution to Indian Cinema by the Film and Television Producers Guild Association
Other Awards
1982 – Winner Lions Club, New Delhi– Best Actor Award for Dard
1994 – Winner Russian Film Festival, Ujvegistan- Best Actor for Khudai
2003 Maharashtra State Government's Raj Kapoor Awards presented on April 30, 2003
2006 Yugantar Gaurav Puraskar 2006 awarded by Chandibai Himmatmal Mansukhani (CHM) College as part of the Gaurav Diwas celebrations on 4 February 2006
2006 Award for Outstanding contribution to Indian cinema at the 2006 Bollywood Movie Awards held on June 10, at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya
Khanna was a recipient of the Glory of India Award by IIFS, London
Khanna was awarded Mother Teresa Award
Rajesh Khanna won Bharat Jyoti National Award
Kala Ratna Awards
1995 – Winner Kala Ratna Award
In 1995 Rajesh Khanna was honoured with the Kala Ratna Award by Punjabi Kala Sangam at Delhi by the then Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.
Interesting Facts
** David Dhawan regards Swarg as his most favorite directorial venture and said in an interview " Swarg did well. Though a serious film, people even today talk about it as it struck a chord. I was working with Rajesh Khanna for the first time. I shared a good rapport with him. He never threw tantrums on the sets."
** He shared a close relationship with R.D. Burman and Kishore Kumar. The trio were friends and have worked together in more than thirty films. Work of Pancham with Khanna is regarded as legendary and far superior than any other actor-music director combinations. The king of playback singing Kishore Kumar had even credited Rajesh Khanna for his resurgence, so much so that he sang for Alag Alag, the first film produced by Rajesh Khanna without charging anything. In 1985 Pancham found himself being sidelined after failure of few films but Rajesh Khanna was among the few who continued to stand by him. Rajesh and Pancham worked together even after the death of Kishore in the films Jai Shiv Shankar, the unreleased film Police Ke Peechhe Police (both produced by Khanna ) and Sautela Bhai. Khanna even helped Leena Gangully and Amit Kumar in completing Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein, the last film directed by Kishore who died before the completion of the film.
** Pyarelal (music director) quoted in an interview that “Rajesh Khanna was lucky for us and we were lucky for him too. From the 1969 Do Raaste to the 1986 Amrit, we gave hits together both as films and as music scores.... When we went on our first overseas concert tour in 1984, he came and danced to three songs. He was very particular about his music and would take a tape home if he could not assess a song. He would then give his feedback after a day or two. But if he liked a song at the sitting, he would loudly shout “Wah! Wah!” in appreciation…. It was God’s blessing that we came up with such a vast range of hit songs for him, including in his home productions Roti and films like Chhailla Babu, Chakravyuha, Fiffty Fiffty, Amar Deep and Bewafai. Incidentally, he had a stake in Mehboob Ki Mehndi too. He had great interest in music and a terrific sense of melody too. His music is dominated by Pancham (R.D. Burman) and us and we accepted Shakti Samanta’s Anurodh only because Rajesh Khanna had some misunderstanding with Pancham then and did not want to work with him." Khanna would always request music directors to fit in Kishore Kumar wherever possible. In fact, Kishoreda was very reluctant to sing "Waada Tera Waada" in Dushman and suggested Laxmikant Pyarelal to get it sung by Rafi. Then Laxmikant made Kishoreda meet Rajesh Khanna and Khanna winked at Laxmikant and told Kishoreda that in that case the song should be scrapped. On hearing this Kishore immediately agreed to sing it by himself for Khanna.
** Actors who were part of the cast of most of his films include Ashok Kumar, Sujit Kumar, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, Asrani, Bindu, Vijay Arora, Roopesh Kumar, Dina Pathak and A. K. Hangal, who remained part of his " working team" since the start until the late eighties. The lyricist whom he preferred for his movies was Anand Bakshi. Films by Shakti Samanta with Rajesh Khanna in the lead, music by Pancham and lyrics by Anand Bakshi had people swooning over. The films Samanta directed without Khanna in the eighties were duds. His other close friends from the film industry include Raj Babbar, J.Om Prakash and Jeetendra.
** Celebrities of the post-2000 era, like Madhur Bhandarkar, say that they take at least three or four turns in Carter Road even today only to see Rajesh Khanna. The younger generation stars like Imran Khan still regard Rajesh Khanna as someone who would take the top slot as the most romantic hero of all time.
** Shahrukh Khan idolises Rajesh Khanna and has opined,"Rajesh Khanna you can’t touch".
** Actor Tom Alter confessed “I still dream of being Rajesh Khanna. For me, in the early 1970s, he was the only hero – romantic to the core, not larger than life, so Indian and real – he was my hero; the reason I came into films and he still is.”
** Actor Irrfan Khan accepted in an interview, "The kind of craze witnessed by Rajesh Khanna has not been duplicated by anyone. He was the biggest and the most real star Bollywood has produced. I'd say stardom is that feeling of being possessed by your idol; you are so overwhelmed with euphoria you lose touch with reality."
** Rajesh Khanna was the last superstar to set fashion trends. The trend of wearing guru kurtas and belt on shirts became famous in seventies and eighties because of Rajesh Khanna.
** Rajesh Khanna considered Guru Dutt, Meena Kumari and Geeta Bali as his idols.Rajesh Khanna dislosed in an interview," My inspirations include, Dilip Kumar's dedication and intensity, Raj Kapoor's spontaneity, Dev Anand's style and Shammi Kapoor's rhythm."
** During the filming of the song 'Mere Sapnon Ki Rani' in Aradhana, Sharmila Tagore was shooting for a Satyajit Ray film and director Shakti Samanta had to shoot their scenes separately and then join the scenes together.
** Rajesh Khanna is also credited with giving Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar their first chance to become screenplay writers by offering them work in Haathi Mere Saathi.Javed Akhthar accepted in an interview "One day, he went to Salimsaab and said that Mr. Devar had given him a huge signing amount with which he could complete the payment for his bungalow Aashirwad. But the film's script was far from being satisfactory. He told us that if we could set right the script, he would make sure we got both money and credit."
** Popularity and Huge fan following
* During the peak of his career he would be mobbed during public appearances. Fans kissed his car, which would be covered with lipstick marks, and lined the road, cheering and chanting his name. Female fans sent him letters written in their blood.There used to be a line of cars of his producers and hysterical fans outside his bungalow every day. Actor Mehmood parodied him in Bombay to Goa where the driver and conductor of the bus were called 'Rajesh' and 'Khanna'. Even today, he remains the favourite of mimicry artists, who copy his trademark style and dialogue delivery. During the filming of Amar Prem there was a scene that needed to be filmed at Howrah Bridge with a boat carrying Khanna with Sharmila moving under the bridge. The authorities ruled this scene out as they realized that if the public found out that the hero of the film would be there, it may create problems on the bridge itself, and that it might collapse due to the amount of people trying to get a glimpse of their favourite actor. Film critic Monojit Lahiri remembers “Girls married themselves to photographs of Rajesh Khanna, cutting their fingers and applying the blood as sindoor. Rajesh was God, there has never been such hysteria.”
* Media called him as 'The Phenomenon '.
* The BBC made a film on him, titled Bombay Superstar, in 1974, the shooting for which began the same time when he got married and his film Daag premiered. In the video it can be noticed that Khanna was shooting for Aap Ki Kasam. A textbook prescribed by the Bombay University contained an essay, 'The Charisma of Rajesh Khanna!'.
* Sharmila Tagore said in interview to India Express, “Women came out in droves to see Kaka (Khanna). They would stand in queues outside the studios to catch a glimpse, they would marry his photographs, they would pull at his clothes. Delhi girls were crazier for him than Mumbai girls. He needed police protection when he was in public. I have never seen anything like this before and since.”
** Rajesh Khanna in an interview to Hindu newspaper said,"Though “Aakhri Khat” is my first film, I received my first break as a leading actor in Ravindra Dave's, “Raaz” in 1967. My heroine was Babita, already a popular actress then. Though I had lots of confidence, I was shy in facing the camera initially. In my first three shots, I had to perform with stress on my body language and dialogue delivery. Though I was right with my dialogues, my movements were not up to the mark. Ravindra Dave explained me my scenes and movements very clearly correcting my way of walking".
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The Story of Rajesh Khanna's Bungalow 'Aashirvad' :--
Sometime in the sixties, Carter Road was just a cluster of bungalows, mainly belonging to the East Indian community and Parsis. The only known bungalow facing the sea was Aashiyana built by the music director, Naushad, who had just tasted big success. There was another bungalow close to it; a two storeyed one in a decrepit and dilapidated state.
A friend brought the existence of the bungalow to the notice of Rajendra Kumar, who was then a young man, a victim of the Partition, who had just landed in Mumbai and made a name for himself in the industry. He was willing to buy the bungalow but didn't have enough money. He rushed to the well-known filmmaker B R Chopra and told him he was not only willing to do Kanoon (India's first songless film) but also two other films if he were paid in advance. The kind-hearted Chopra paid him Rs 90,000 in cash. Rajendra found out who the owner of the bungalow was, and sealed a deal for just Rs.60,000. He shifted there but not before consulting his best friend, actor Manoj Kumar. Now Manoj had heard of the bungalow being haunted, however he advised Rajendra not to take the stories seriously and instead perform a puja and move in.
'Dimple'
Rajendra gave the bungalow a new look and named it Dimple, after his daughter. He was so grateful to Manoj that he kept a room on the upper floor for Manoj's use at any time. He even named his son Manoj, who was to later become actor Kumar Gaurav. It was during the time Rajendra lived in Dimple that he saw the kind of success very few stars had seen. Every film he starred in was at least a jubilee, so much so he earned the moniker 'Jubilee Kumar'. He grew richer and built another bungalow at Pali Hill, which he again named Dimple.
'Aashirwad'
It was at the same time that a newcomer called Rajesh Khanna was taking his first big steps as a star. He came from a rich family and had even made enough money on his own. He realised Rajendra was looking for a buyer for his Carter Road bungalow and felt it would be a good investment. His superstition became his guide --- he believed Rajendra's success would rub on to him if he shifted there.
'Vardan Aashirwad'
His daughters are now planning to convert Aashirwad into a Rajesh Khanna museum, but it is still very early to say. After veteran superstar Rajesh Khanna's demise last month, his home on Carter Road in Bandra turned into almost a shrine where thousands of fans poured in to pay their last respects. According to the late actor’s last wish, the iconic landmark Aashirwad has been renamed as Vardan Aashirwad.
A source close to the family says, "Kakaji always felt that Aashirwad should be named Vardan Aashirwad and he had conveyed his wish to his wife Dimple Kapadia and daughters and his son-in-law Akshay Kumar. That’s how now one can see the new name on the bungalow."
Courtesy: The Times of India
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Three memorable movies of Rajesh Khanna
(1) Aradhana (1969)
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Aradhana is a 1969 Bollywood film directed by Shakti Samanta, starring Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna. It was voted best film of the year by the Filmfare Awards.
Details:-
* Directed by----- Shakti Samanta
* Produced by----- Shakti Samanta
* Distributed by-- Shakti Films
* Written by ----- Sachin Bhowmick
* Cinematography-- Alok Dasgupta
* Art Direction--- Shanti Das
* Editing by------ Sahil Budhiraja
* Music by-------- S. D. Burman
* Lyrics by------- Anand Bakshi.
* Release date(s)- November 7, 1969
* Running time---- 169 mins
* Country--------- India
* Language-------- Hindi
Star Cast:-
* Rajesh Khanna------ Arun and Suraj Prasad Saxena
* Sharmila Tagore---- Vandhana Tripathi
* Farida Jalal------- Renu
* Sujit Kumar-------- Madan Verma
* Pahadi Sanyal------ Dr. Gopal Tripathi
* Abhi Bhattacharya-- Ram Prasad Saxena
* Anita Guha--------- Mrs. Prasad Saxena
* Madan Puri--------- as Jailer
* Asit Sen----------- Tikaram
* Manmohan----------- Shyam
* Subhash Ghai------- Prakash
* Dulari------------- Doctor
Story:-
As the film starts, we see a white-clad Vandana being denounced in a courtroom, and after tearfully refusing to speak in her own defense being sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. In jail she remembers incidents of her life.
Vandana is returning from college to her hill-station home, where she lives with her father, Gopal Tripathi, a medical doctor and widower. As she rides the narrow-gauge train through the mountains, she hears a young airman, Arun Varma (Khanna) on the adjacent motor road singing the amorous song Mere sapnon ki rani while he eyes her flirtatiously. Their paths soon cross in her hometown, where Arun begins to woo her more ardently.
Soon, with the blessing of Vandana's father and Arun’s boss Air Commodore Ganguly (Ashok Kumar), the engagement is sealed. But before the planned nuptials can occur, Arun and Vandana pay a visit to a Shiva temple where, at the prompting of a cheerful priest, they impulsively exchange garlands and “marry before God.” A sudden storm then forces the lovers into a nearby bungalow where they spend a night.
Vandana worries about it the next morning, Arun assures her that they will be formally wed in just a few days, when he returns from a flying trip to Delhi.
But alas, the young airman’s plane crashes. He survives only long enough to remind the weeping Vandana, at his bedside, of his dream of having a son named Suraj (“sun”) who, like him, will become a pilot and range the skies; he extracts from her the promise to make this dream come true. Soon after his death, the distraught Vandana indeed discovers that she is pregnant, and reveals to her shocked father—who could arrange a face-saving abortion—that she intends to keep and raise the child, dedicating her life to the “worship” (aradhana) of her lost love. Despite her father’s blessing, Vandana’s plight now grows grimmer. Arun’s family (eager to inherit his property) mocks her tale of a secret “marriage” and denounces her as a loose woman, and soon after this her father expires.
When she gives birth to a beautiful son, a lady doctor advises leaving him at an orphanage door and then coming the next day to “adopt” him—the only means by which she can salvage respectability as a single mother. But this plan too goes awry, as the baby is accidentally given to a prosperous couple, the Saxenas, whose own child was stillborn. When Vandana contacts the husband and attempts to retrieve the boy, admitting the real facts behind his birth, Mr. Saxena convinces her to join the household as a nursemaid, so that her son can grow up with the advantage of the family’s wealth. Thus begins Vandana’s long, worshipful “penance” for her romantic indiscretion, as she nurtures the child, indeed named Suraj, maintaining the illusion that he is someone else’s son.
One day foreign-returned brother of Mrs. Saxena, Shyam (Manmohan) tries to rape Vandana,when no-one is around, but Suraj arrives and stabs his "uncle" to death in order to save his nanny. Upon the arrival of police, Vandana confesses to the murder while Suraj is kept away. She now gladly accepts a jail sentence for murder rather than endanger her child. Thus, Vandana is sent to jail and Suraj forgets this mishap as he grows up.
When she is released on good behavior after twelve years, she learns that Mr. Saxena has died and his wife and son have moved to an unknown place. Homeless once more, she accepts the invitation of the kindly jailer (Madan Puri) to come to his house in Delhi as his adopted sister. He takes her home and introduces her to his daughter Renu (Farida Jalal). Vandana comes face to face with her son Suraj (Rajesh Khanna) when she discovers that Renu is dating him.
Suraj, just like how his father wished, is an air-force officer. He slowly starts remembering that he has seen Vandana somewhere, although Vandana wants to hide the truth as she feels Suraj may be embarrased upon realizing his parent's background and history. Vandana makes herself home at the jailer's house.
At one time, Suraj gets injured in an air crash just like his real father Arun, but survives. At that time, Vandana meets Madan, who knows that Suraj is Arun and Vandana's son and he wants to tell Suraj the truth. Again, Vandana denies wanting to let Suraj know that he is her son, fearing the consequences. Later when Vandana is not around, Suraj sees her diary where Arun's photo is found. Realizing that Arun and Vandana are his true parents, he however salutes Vandana's self-sacrificing attitude and accepts her as his mother.
Soundtrack:-
* The soundtrack of the film is composed by S. D. Burman.
* The lyrics are penned by Anand Bakshi.
** Title----------------------------------------------- Singers
1 "Roop Tera Mastana"-------------------------- Kishore Kumar
2 "Baghon Mein Bahar Hai"-------------------- Mohammed Rafi, Lata
3 "Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu"------ Lata Mangeshkar
4 "Mere Sapno Ki Rani"-------------------------Kishore Kumar
5 "Gun Guna Rahe Hai Bhanvare"----------- Mohammed Rafi, Asha
6 "Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera"-------- Kishore Kumar, Lata
7 "Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana"---------------- S D Burman
Awards:-
** 1969 Filmfare Awards
* Filmfare Best Movie Award: Shakti Samanta
* Filmfare Best Actress Award: Sharmila Tagore
* Filmfare Best Male Playback Award: Kishore Kumar for the song "Roop Tera Mastana"
Interesting Facts:-
* It is a remake of the 1946 Hollywood film To Each His Own.
* Sharmila Tagore won her first Filmfare Best Actress Award for the same role that won Olivia de Havilland her first Academy Award for Best Actress.
* Originally released in Hindi and dubbed in Bengali, Aradhana's huge success gave way to two remakes, both starring Vanisri in Sharmila Tagore's role: the Tamil film Sivakamiyin Selvan (1974) and the Telugu film Kannavari Kalalu (1974).
* Burman had already started recording the songs for Aradhana and used Mohammad Rafi's voice for two songs but became very ill shortly thereafter and had to be hospitalized. The responsibility for finishing the soundtrack fell on his son R. D. Burman, who decided to use Kishore Kumar for the songs "Roop Tera Mastana" and "Mere Sapno Ki Rani". Kishore Kumar bagged his first Filmfare Award for "Roop Tera Mastana", later that year.
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(2) Anand (1971)
============
Anand is a Hindi film written and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and released in 1971. It starred Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles; Rajesh Khanna played the title role.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Anand famously laced the tears with laughter. Anand is memorable not only for affording us the chance to see two superstars Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan together, but also because it presented, in the form of Anand (played by Rajesh Khanna), an unforgettable character who can laugh in the face of death.
Details:-
* Directed by --- Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Produced by --- Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
* Written by ---- Bimal Dutta, Gulzar, D.N. Mukherjee, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Biren Tripathy
* Music by------- Salil Choudhury
* Cinematography- Jaywant Pathare
* Edited by------ Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Art direction-- Ajit Banerjee
* Distributed by- Digital Entertainment
* Running time--- 123 minutes
* Country-------- India
* Language------- Hindi
Star Cast:-
* Rajesh Khanna ------Anand Sehgal
* Amitabh Bachchan----Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee
* Sumita Sanyal-------Renu
* Durga Khote---------Renu's mother
* Johnny Walker-------Issa Bhai / Murarilal
* Asit Sen -----------Amitabh's patient
* Ramesh Deo----------Dr Kulkarni
* Seema Deo ----------Mrs.Kulkarni
* Lalita Pawar--------Matron
* Dara Singh----------Pahalwan
Story:-
The film opens at a literary awards ceremony at which a brooding young cancer specialist, Bhaskar Banerjee, M. D., receives a prize for a “novel” entitled Anand. The doctor’s revelation that the book is, in fact, a true story extracted from his diary leads into the flashback comprising the rest of the film.
The story is about Anand Sehgal (Rajesh Khanna), a cancer (lymphosarcoma of the intestine) patient who believes in living his life to the fullest. He comes to Mumbai to live his last days there and to meet his friend Kulkarni (Ramesh Dev). Contrasting Anand is Bhaskar Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan) a sober doctor, upset with life and the dark reality of his nation. Bhaskar's tete-a-tete with Anand makes him notice the colours behind all the despair and complexity in one's life and teaches him a lesson.
Though fully aware of the grim prognosis, Anand is determined to snatch whatever joy he can in the time left to him...and he particularly enjoys putting other people’s lives in order.
After a brief stay in a private hospital, where he charms the nursing staff, he invites himself to live with Bhaskar.
Bhaskar loves it! So does nearly everyone else whom Anand meets, the outwardly stern but inwardly maternal Goan headnurse Mrs. D’Sa (Lalita Pawar), the teary-eyed widow (Durga Khote), the brawny Punjabi wrestler (Dara Singh), and the Muslim actor Isa Bhai (Johnny Walker).
Anand arranges the marriage of shy Doctor Bhaskar and his patient Renu. He hides his secret of his own inner sorrow over a lost love from everybody.
After spreading happiness everywhere around himself and changing the lives of many, Anand, as destined, leaves them all, which inspires Bhaskar to write a book on his life.
The film is a narrative, as Bhaskar writes in his diary about his life before Anand, his first meeting, how his relationship with him changes from a doctor-patient to a friend and then to a friend for whom he can do anything, and how a dying man changes his way of thinking to a great extent.
Awards:-
* 1971: National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi: Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
* 1972: Filmfare Best Movie Award: Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
* 1972: Filmfare Best Actor Award: Rajesh Khanna
* 1972: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award: Amitabh Bachchan
* 1972: Filmfare Best Dialogue Award: Gulzar
* 1972: Filmfare Best Editing Award: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* 1972: Filmfare Best Story Award: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Music:-
* The musical score for the film was composed by Salil Chaudhary.
* The lyrics were written by Gulzar and Yogesh. * Gulzar wrote the poem "Maut To Ek Kawita Hai" which is narrated by Amitabh Bachchan.
Song--------------------------------------Singer--------- Lyricist
* Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli----------Manna Dey--- Yogesh
* Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal ------- Mukesh------- Yogesh
* Maine Tere Liye Hi Saat -------- Mukesh--------Gulzar
* Na Jiyaa Lage Na----------------- Lata ----------- Gulzar
Interesting facts:-
* The movie 'Anand' is listed in "Hrishikesh Mukherjee's best films" compiled by rediff.com.
* Indiatimes Movies ranks the movie amongst the "Top 25 Must See Bollywood Films".
*Rajesh Khanna was at the giddy height of his superstardom and Anand added tremendous respect as an actor to his profile. He won Filmfare's Best Actor Award for the film.
*Amitabh won Best Supporting Actor Award but lost Mukherjee's next, Guddi because he had become a known face and the director wanted an unknown actor opposite newcomer Jaya Bhaduri.
* The dialogues were written by Gulzar. They have a lyrical and poetic touch as the characters of Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee (played by Bachchan) and the dialogue writer of film, Gulzar, are poets in the film and in reality.
* Earlier Hrishi da had approached Lata Mangeshkar to work as a music director for this movie as she had already worked as a successful music director in Marathi movies under the pseudonym of "Anandghan". But she gracefully declined the offer and decided to sing for the film than composing it.
* Anand was originally supposed to star famous Bollywood actors Kishore Kumar and Mehmood in the lead roles. One of the producers, N.C. Sippy, had earlier served as Mehmood's production manager. The character Babu Moshai was to be played by Mehmood. Hrishikesh was asked to meet Kishore Kumar to discuss the project. However, when Hrishikesh Mukherjee went to Kishore Kumar's house, he was driven away by the gatekeeper due to a misunderstanding. Kishore Kumar (himself a Bengali) had done a stage show organized by another Bengali man, and he was involved in a fight with this man over money matters. He had instructed his gatekeeper to drive away this "Bengali", if he ever visited the house. When Hrishikesh Mukherjee (also a Bengali) went to Kumar's house, the gatekeeper mistook him for the "Bengali" that Kishore Kumar had asked him to drive away. The incident hurt Mukherjee so much that he decided not to work with Kumar. Consequently, Mehmood had to leave the film as well, and new actors (Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan) were signed up.
* Watching Anand leaves us nostalgic for Hrishikesh Mukherjee's typically literate, realm of moviemaking. Characters recite poetry and live in hermetically-sealed genially civilized worlds.
* The songs are picturised with a pleasantly unhurried rhythm. The crown jewel is indubitably Zindagi kaisi hai paheli shot next to a seemingly horizonless sea and a limitless sky into which a bunch of balloons disappear in tandem with the lines: Ek din sapno ka rahi chala jaaye sapno ke aage kahan.
* Film expert and musicologist Rajesh Subramanian opines that the Hrishikesh Mukherjee shot the film in 28 days.
* The character of Anand was inspired by Raj Kapoor, who used to call Hrishikesh Mukherjee as "Babu Moshay". It is believed that Mukherjee wrote the film when once Raj Kapoor was seriously ill and he thought that he may die. The film is dedicated to "Raj Kapoor and the people of Bombay."
* Later, Anand was remade in Malayalam, with the name Chitrashalabham (Butterfly) starring Jayaram and Biju Menon.
* Hrishikesh Mukheree is ably aided by Gulzar who writes some deathless dialogue like:--
(a) "Zindagi aur maut uparwale ke haath mein hai, Jahanpanah. Hum sab rangmanch ki kathputliyan hain jinki dor uparwale ki ungliyon se bandhi hui hai. Kab kaun uthega koi nahin bata sakta. Ha ha ha." (We are all puppets in the hands of the supreme being who holds the strings of our lives. We will never know which string he will pull next).
(b) "Zindagi badi honi chahiye lambi nahi.”
(“Whether you live seventy years or six months, life needs to be big, it doesn’t need to be long.”)
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(3) Bawarchi (1972)
==================
Bawarchi is a 1972 Indian film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee starring Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Badhuri with Asrani, A.K. Hangal, Usha Kiran and Durga Khote in supporting roles.The movie is inspired by the Bengali Film Galpa Holeo Satyi (1966) by Tapan Sinha.
In Mukherjee's classic style, the film contains no violence or obscenities, and focuses on spreading family values and morals through clean comedy. The movie was a hit. It was the 8th highest grossing film of the year.
Details:-
* Directed by-------- Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Produced by-------- Hrishikesh Mukherjee,N.C. Sippy,Romu N. Sippy
* Story by----------- Tapan Sinha
* Written by--------- Gulzar,Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Screenplay by------ Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Dialogue by-------- Gulzar
* Editing by--------- Das Dhaimade
* Cinematography by - Jaywant Pathare
* Art Direction by--- Ajit Banerjee
* Animation by------- S. G. Naiksatam
* Choreography by---- Gopi Krishna
* Narration by------- Amitabh Bachchan
* Music by----------- Madan Mohan
* Lyrics by---------- Kaifi Azmi
* Release date(s)---- 1972
* Country------------ India
* Language----------- Hindi
Star Cast:-
* Rajesh Khanna---------------- Raghu (Bawarchi)
* Jaya Bhaduri----------------- Krishna Sharma
* Usha Kiran------------------- Shobha Sharma (Choti maa)
* Harindranath Chattopadhyay -- Shivnath Sharma (Daduji)
* A. K. Hangal----------------- Ramnath Sharma (Munna)
* Durga Khote------------------ Seeta Sharma (Badi maa)
* Asrani----------------------- Vishwanath Sharma (Babbu)
* Kali Bannerjee--------------- Kashinath Sharma
* Paintal---------------------- Dance Master (Guruji)
* Raju Shrestha---------------- Pintoo Baba (as Master Raju)
* Manisha---------------------- Krishna's cousin
* Amitabh Bachchan------------- Narrator
Story:-
The story is centered around the squabbling Sharma family, headed by their eccentric Daduji (Harindranath Chattopadhyay), which has a dubious reputation the inability to retain a cook for more than a few months due to their ill treatment of their servants. The family's disrepute spreads to such an extent that no person wants to be employed as a cook in their home, ironically named Shanti Niwas (abode of peace).
Then one day a young man named Raghu (Rajesh Khanna) offers to work as a cook, and is hired. Raghu, however, lives up to this challenge & becomes the apple of the eye for every resident of Shanti Niwas. He even defuses the internal squabbles & re-unites the family. But is Raghu's slate clean, or there is more to his character?
The film starts by introduction of Shanti Niwas & its residents by Amitabh Bachchan, who is the narrator here. He points out that Shanti Niwas is a pot of ironies: Even though its name means "Home of Peace", there is no peace here. The home, which houses the Sharma family, has members who hate each other for reasons unknown. Even a servant cannot withstand the Sharma's for more than a month.
After every month, the search for a new servant has to start. Then, suddenly a servant named Raghu comes in. Even though nobody remembers asking for some Raghu, they hire him. But Raghu has his own surprises in store for them. Gradually, the whole home comes to know that Raghu is not only an accompolished chef, but also a singer & expert in dancing.
Raghu tells his masters that he worked for reputed veterans of given fields, who taught him something or the other. Gradually, many aces start falling out of his sleeves, causing the Sharma's to develop an attraction to him. Even Daduji, the disgruntled patriarch of the family, develops love for Raghu. The family puts so much trust in Raghu that they even unwittingly show him the box containing the family jewels.
Krishna(Jaya Bhaduri) is the recluse daughter of Daduji's dead son & daughter-in-law. On learning this, Raghu tutors her & brings her talents to the fore. He also helps in clearing up the misunderstandings & calling truces between the family members. Daduji cannot help but think that Raghu is actually a saviour sent by god. Meanwhile, nobody notices that Raghu is suspiciously eyeing the jewel box the whole time.
Meanwhile, Raghu learns that Krishna loves a boy, but the Sharma's are strictly against the union of Krishna with him. The boy also loves Krishna, but is helpless before Krishna's relatives as well. Between all the tangle, Raghu suddenly disappears. The Sharma's are also aghast to know that the box is missing as well.
It does not take the Sharma's to put two & two together. At the same time, Krishna's love interest shows up. The people are already angered at the turn of events & the boys arrival, but they receive a shock when he shows them the jewelry box. He explains that he saw Raghu in a suspicious condition with the box. When he asked Raghu about the box, Raghu tried to run away. He tried to stop Raghu, even beat him up(the boy is a wrestler), but Raghu somehow managed to escape.
Stunned by this unexpected turn of events, the attitude of Sharma's towards the boy changes & they agree to get him married with Krishna out of gratitude. Krishna, however, refuses to buy the story. When Sharma's start abusing Raghu, Krishna's lover cannot take it anymore and tells them what really happened.
He tells them that he met Raghu at his own wrestling ground. He had a little friendly match with Raghu, where he suffered minor injuries from Raghu. He saw the box & asked Raghu about it. Raghu said that the box was the real reason he came there. Raghu told the boy that his real name was professor Raghunandan Verma, but he took the fake name of Raghu. He had seen many families like the Sharma's which were on the brink of breaking up & hence decided to use his knowledge to stop this.
Raghu explained him that if he lies about the box & what happened between him & Raghu, the boy will be able to marry Krishna. Raghu had promised the boy to secrecy, but latter couldn't stand up the abuse to Raghu. A stunned Sharma family has to accept that Raghu went out of his way to save several homes like Shanti Niwas. Krishna manages to stop Raghu in time from going somewhere else.
Raghu tells her that this is his life mission now & he has to go. Krishna requests him to stop until her marriage, as she regards him as her brother. Raghu obliges & leaves Shanti Niwas after her marriage. The film ends with a scene of him travelling to a new destination & narration from Amitabh Bachchan that "Raghu is going to a new home. Let's hope it is not yours."
Music:-
* Music Director ---------- Madan Mohan
* Lyricist -------------------- Kaifi Azmi
Song Title------------------------------------------- Singers
* "Kahe Kanha Karat Barjori"------- Lakshmi Shankar
* "Mast Pawan Dole Re"-------------- Lata Mangeshkar
* "More Naina Bahayen Neer"------ Lata Mangeshkar
* "Pahle Chori Phir Seenajori"------- Kumari Faiyaz
* "Tum Bin Jeevan"--------------------- Manna Dey
* "Bhor Aai Gaya Andhiyara"-------- Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey,
Nirmala Devi, Lakshmi Shankar
Harindranath Chattopadhyay,
Awards:-
* Paintal received the Filmfare Best Comedian Award for Bawarchi in 1973.
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Achchha to hum chalte hai
Three memorable movies of Rajesh Khanna (below)
RAJESH KHANNA “ THE PHENOMENON ” and “THE FIRST SUPERSTAR” of INDIAN CINEMA
Rajesh Khanna (born as Jatin Khanna on 29 December 1942) was an Indian actor of Hindi films, and had been Hindi film producer and an Indian politician.
He appeared in 163 films of which 106 had him as the solo lead hero and 22 were two hero projects. He won three Filmfare Best Actor Awards and was nominated for the same fourteen times. He received the maximum BFJA Awards for Best Actor (Hindi) – four times and nominated 25 times. He was awarded the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. Khanna is referred to as the "First Superstar" of Hindi cinema.He made his debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat and rose to prominence with his performances in films like Raaz, Baharon Ke Sapne, Ittefaq and Aradhana.
Details
Screen Name------- Rajesh Khanna
Real Name---------- Jatin Khanna
Nick Name --------- Kaka
Popular Name------ RK
DOB------------------ 29 December 1942
DOD------------------ 18 July 2012 (age 69)
POB------------------- Amritsar, Punjab, India
POD------------------- Mumbai
Occupation----------- Film actor and producer
Years active--------- 1966–present (actor) 1991–1996 (politics)1971–1995 (producer)
Spouse---------------- Dimple Kapadia (1973–1984)
Daughters----------- Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna
Sons-in-law---------- Akshay Kumar and Samir Saran
GrandChildren----- Aarav
Early life
Rajesh Khanna was born in Amritsar on 29 December 1942. He was adopted and raised by foster parents who were relatives of his biological parents. Rajesh Khanna lived in Thakurdwar near Girgaon. Khanna attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School in Girgaum, along with his friend Ravi Kapoor, who later took the stage name Jeetendra. Their mothers were friends.Rajesh Khanna gradually started taking interest in theatre and did a lot of stage and theater plays in his school and college days and won many prizes in the inter college drama competitions. Rajesh Khanna became a rare newcomer who struggled in his own MG sports car to get work in theatre and films in the early sixties.Both friends later studied in Kishinchand Chellaram College(KC).When Jeetendra went for his first film audition, it was Khanna who tutored him. Khanna's uncle changed Khanna's first name to Rajesh when Khanna decided to join films. His friends and his wife call him Kaka.
Personal life
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rajesh Khanna fell in love with the then fashion designer and actress Anju Mahendru.They were in the relationship for seven years. Mahendru states that the couple did not speak to each other for 17 years after the breakup.
Later Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, six months before Dimple's debut film Bobby released and has two daughters from the marriage.Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia separated in 1984 as his schedule kept him away much of the time and Dimple became interested in pursuing an acting career,and thereafter lived separately, but did not complete the divorce proceedings.In the eighties Tina Munim was romantically involved with Khanna till the time she decided to leave the industry to pursue her higher studies.
Years of separation brought about mutual understanding between Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia.Reporter Dinesh Raheja stated that “the bitterness between Rajesh and Dimple washed away", noting that they are seen together at parties and that Dimple campaigned for Khanna's election and also worked in his film Jai Shiv Shankar.
Their elder daughter Twinkle Khanna, an interior decorator and a former film actress, is married to actor Akshay Kumar
while their younger daughter Rinke Khanna, also a former Hindi film actress,is married to a London-based investment banker Samir Saran.
Early career (1966–1975)
Rajesh Khanna was one of eight finalists in the 1965 All India Talent Contest organised by United Producers and Filmfare from more than ten thousand contestants. Subsequently Khanna won the contest.
He made his film debut in the 1966 film Aakhri Khat directed by Chetan Anand, followed by Raaz directed by Ravindra Dave both of which were a part of his predetermined prize for winning the All-India United Producers’ Talent Competition. G.P. Sippy and Nasir Hussain were the first to sign Rajesh Khanna after he won the contest.
Being under contract with United Producers, he got projects like Aurat, Doli and Ittefaq. He was then noticed for his performances in films like Baharon Ke Sapne, Aurat (1967), Doli, Aradhana and Ittefaq. Later Waheeda Rehman suggested Asit Sen to take Khanna for the lead role in Khamoshi.
Superstardom
Through ' Aradhana ' he rose to "instant national fame" and film critics referred to him as the first superstar of India.In that film, Rajesh Khanna was cast in a double role (father and son) opposite Sharmila Tagore and Farida Jalal. The film also saw the resurgence of Kishore Kumar, who eventually became the official playback voice of Rajesh Khanna.
The Kishore Kumar-Rajesh Khanna combination worked miracles and it was almost impossible to see them as separate identities. They became a singer-actor duo and together they gave many songs till 1991.Several songs sung by Kishore Kumar in the 1970s were based on Rajesh Khanna.
Then in year 1971, Haathi Mere Saathi became the biggest hit and also became the biggest grosser ever till then.
Rajesh and Mumtaz
Rajesh acted alongside Mumtaz in eight successful films.They were neighbours and got along very well, and as a result they shared a great on-screen chemistry.
After Khanna married, Mumtaz decided to marry millionaire Mayur Madhwani in 1974. At the time, she was doing three films Aap ki Kasam, Roti and Prem Kahani with Khanna. She decided to quit movies only after completing these films. When she left films Khanna felt very lost. In one of her interviews, Mumtaz was quoted saying "I would pull his leg and tease him about his fan following. Whenever Rajesh entered a hotel in Madras, there was a queue of 600 girls waiting to see him at midnight. As a result, even I would get some importance, as people would ask for my autograph as well. He was very generous with his associates, and would party a lot."
Music remained one of the biggest attractions of all Rajesh Khanna films throughout his career. Many of the musical scores for Khanna's films were composed by Sachin Dev Burman, R.D. Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. The trio of Rajesh Khanna, Kishore Kumar and R.D. Burman went on to make a number of popular films, including Kati Patang, Amar Prem, Shehzada, Apna Desh, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee, Namak Haraam, Maha Chor, Karm, Phir Wohi Raat, Aanchal, Kudrat, Ashanti, Agar Tum Na Hote, Awaaz, Hum Dono and Alag Alag.
Rajesh Khanna had 15 consecutive solo superhits between 1969 to 1972, which is still an unbroken record in Indian film history.The commercial success of his films declined during 1976–78.In calculation of the 15 films, 2 hero films like Maryada,Andaz and films with box office result as hits were excluded -Mere Jeevan Saathi, Choti Bahu and Shehzada.
Career [ 1976–1978 ]
Between 1976 and 1978,Rajesh Khanna acted in nine films that were not commercially successful. Seven of these were critically acclaimed and have achieved strong cult status over the years among the viewers and these films included Mehbooba, Bundal Baaz, Tyaag, Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein, Naukri, Chakravyuha and Janata Havaldar which were directed by Shakti Samanta, Shammi Kapoor, Din Dayal Sharma, Meeraj, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Basu Chatterjee and Mehmood Ali, respectively. Rajesh Khanna persuaded Samanta to cast his sister-in-law Simple Kapadia opposite him in Anurodh. Films starring Rajesh Khanna and directed by Shakti Samanta tended to be commercially successful, but Mehbooba was an exception.
The change from romantic and social movies to action oriented multi-starrers caused the decline of Khanna's career in terms of box office ratings to some extent. The declaration of emergency in India had angered the masses and this helped films having the lead character revolting against corruption becoming successes. Actor Joy Mukherjee made Chhailla Babu, a suspense thriller in 1977, which became the only successful film of his as a director and the unexpected success of the Chhailla Babu gave a boost to the career of Khanna. However, Khanna continued basically in solo hero social sober household meaningful films during this era and played a variety of characters in films of various genres. During this phase too he had box office hits like Maha Chor, Chhailla Babu, Anurodh and Karm.
Later career (1979–present)
After 1978, Khanna starred in critically acclaimed commercially successful films such as Amardeep, Phir Wohi Raat, Bandish, Thodisi Bewafaii, Dard, Kudrat, Dhanwan, Avtaar, Agar Tum Na Hote, Souten, Jaanwar, Asha Jyoti, Awaaz, Naya Kadam, Hum Dono, Babu, Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar, Shatru, Insaaf Main Karoonga, Anokha Rishta, Nazrana, Angaarey, Adhikar (1986) and Amrit(from 1979–1991). Director Bharathiraja decided to remake his 1978 Tamil box office hit film "Sigappu Rojakkal" in Hindi with Khanna playing the role of a psychopath. Kamal Haasan who played the same role in Tamil won South Filmfare Best Actor Award for his portrayal. But the Hindi movie was seen as controversial by traditional and orthodox Hindi moviegoers and was not a commercial success, although Khanna's performance has been rated later higher by critics than the original.
Rajesh Khanna and Tina Munim
Tina Munim and Rajesh Khanna became the leading on and off screen couple of the 80’s with hits like Fiffty Fiffty, Suraag, Souten, Aakhir Kyun, Bewafai, Insaaf Main Karoonga and Adhikar(1986). Ram Awatar Agnihotri wrote that Tina Munim showed the first sparks of the dedicated actress she would become in the films "Alag Alag" and "Adhikar", both with Khanna.
He also acted in the Marathi hit film "Sundara Satarkar" in 1981. He has performed in the least number of multi-starrer films in comparison to his contemporaries and portrayed the central character in the few multistarrers he acted. Khanna delivered multi-starrer superhits like Rajput, Dharam Aur Kanoon, Zamana, Dil-E-Nadan, Ashanti, Awam (film) and Ghar Ka Chiraag. He did three potboiler movies with Jeetendra, which were blockbusters-Dharam Kanta, Nishaan and Maqsad. In the year 1984, his film Maqsad became the 2nd highest box office superhit film earning 8.5 crores.Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar is one of the memorable political films of Rajesh Khanna. Khanna played the character of a corrupt politician in this film. Viewers praised his role in the film.The year 1985 saw him turn a producer with Alag Alag. Eleven films, with Khanna in the lead, released in 1985 and seven of these became hits and in addition had two films with him in special appearance. Before joining politics one of his last films as the lead hero was Swarg released in 1990.
He experimented with films of different genres like tragedy in Babu as a rickshaw puller, thriller in Redrose as a psycopath, political adventure in Awam, negative roles in Dhanwan and Redrose, fantasy in Bundalbaaz and Jaanwar, crime in Phir Wohi Raat and Angarey, suspense in Chakravyuha and Iteefaq, comedy in Hum Dono and Masterji, action in Ashanti, family dramas like Aanchal and Amrit and Agar Tum Na Hote, variety of social films like Avtaar, Naya Kadam, Akhir Kyun and with different themes like reincarnation theme in Kudrat, patriotism in Prem Kahani, immature young love theme handled in different ways in films like Anokha Rishta, Nazrana and Dil E Nadan and did college romance in Bandish. He has played variety of characters as the lead hero – as a postman in Palkon Ki Chaon Mein, as a lawyer who proves that his senior has committed a rape 25 years earlier in Kudrat, as a politician in Aaj Ka MLA Ram Avtaar, as a young musician forced by fate to marry two women in Asha Jyoti, as professional advocate in Awaaz, fisherman in Prem Bandhan, a revolutionary patriot who is torn apart by love and policeman like in Prem Kahanai, as a righteous farmer in Bandhan etc.
From the early nineties onwards he stopped acting and served as M.P. of New Delhi Constituency from 1991 to 1996. During that period, he returned to acting, appearing in Khudai(1994). He made a comeback as a NRI in Aa Ab Laut Chalen(1999), and Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa(2002). In September 2007, he officially announced his planned return to the big screen, signing a contract for several new films, including some television serials.
Television
Rajesh Khanna is a life member of the International Film And Television Research Centre, the International Film And Television Club and the Asian Academy of Film & Television. He is the Guest Faculty of 'Specialized Cinema Courses At Asian School Of Media Studies'. On 10 April 1999 Khanna inaugurated the live concert of S.P. Balasubramanyam held at Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad as a tribute to Pancham. In 2001 and 2002, Rajesh played the lead in two television serials: Aapne Parai (B4U & DD Metro) and Ittefaq (Zee TV). He performed in a video album based on Tagore's songs (Rabindra Sangeet) without payment. He also endorsed Star se Superstar tak – a talent hunt programme in 2007 and donated a Gold Trophy of Rs.1 crore. In its Silver Jubilee Episode on 14–15 March 2008, K for Kishore aired a Rajesh Khanna special. He signed on to star in a TV serial with Creative Eye Banner (Dhiraj Kumar) in 2007, and in 2008 performed in a TV serial, Bhabhima, with Leena Ganguly as his co-star. His successful TV serial Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi began in November 2008 and ended in September 2009. Khanna cites the lack of good roles for actors like him in the films these days. He said in an interview on being queried about his decision to do TV serials, "The reach of TV is much more than cinema today and one episode of my serial is likely to be watched by more people than a super-hit film". In 2009, on his 67th birthday, Shemaroo Entertainment released his films and a song collection titled Screen Legends-Rajesh Khanna-the Original Superstar.
In May 2012, Havells, the fan making company endorsed Khanna as Brand Ambassador for their new ad campaign featuring him in solo advertisements.
Political career
Rajesh Khanna was a member of Parliament for the Congress Party, from the New Delhi constituency, where he won the 1992 by-election, retaining his seat until the 1996 election.He has since been a political activist for the Congress Party.
Business career
Rajesh Khanna and a group of foreign investors have bought land in Shirdi on which they plan to build a religious resort for disciples of Sai Baba of Shirdi.
Health
In June, 2012, it was reported that Rajesh Khanna's health had been deterorating for some time,On 23 June 2012 he was admitted to Lilavati Hospital due to some health complications .
Death
Rajesh Khanna ,the India's first superstar, died in Mumbai on Wednesday, 18 July 2012 at his residence 'Aashirvad'
Khanna, 69, had been unwell for several months and had been discharged from hospital earlier this week.
His funeral took place at Pawan Hans Crematorium, vile Parle onThursday,19 July 2012.
Rajesh Khanna’s last words:-
`Time ho gaya hai, pack up’
Even as his fanatic fans hoped and prayed for his recovery, somewhere deep inside his heart, the thespian might have realised it was time for him to bid good bye. And hence he uttered “Time ho gaya hai, pack up” before resting forever.
Rajesh Khanna's Signature
Rajesh Khanna's funeral
At 10.15 am on Thursday ,19 July, India's first superstar's funeral procession left from his home 'Aashirwad'.
Rajesh Khanna was laid in a transparent casket in a vehicle adorned with white flowers. Dimple Kapadia and the family stood by the casket.
Family and the thousands of fans bid adieu to Indian cinema's king of romance, as his grandson Aarav lit the pyre.
Anju Mahendru stood by Dimple,s side all through at the crematorium. Rajesh Khanna's family, relatives and several Bollywood hotshots including Karan Johar, Kiran Bedi, Raza Murad, Raj Babbar, Dharmendra, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee and many others were present during the last rites. From media to Bollywood stars to thousands of fans, everyone was there to get the last glimpse of the king of romance
The condolence meet was held on Saturday, 21 July.
Filmography
Year Film
** Actor
* 1966 Aakhri Khat
* 1967 Raaz
* 1967 Baharon Ke Sapne
* 1967 Aurat
* 1968 Shrimanji
* 1969 Aradhana
* 1969 Ittefaq
* 1969 Doli
* 1969 Bandhan
* 1969 Do Raaste
* 1970 Khamoshi
* 1970 The Train
* 1970 Sachaa Jhutha (Double Role)
* 1970 Safar
* 1971 Kati Patang
* 1971 Anand
* 1971 Aan Milo Sajna
* 1971 Andaz
* 1971 Maryada
* 1971 Chhoti Bahu
* 1971 Haathi Mere Saathi
* 1971 Guddi ( Himself )
* 1971 Mehboob Ki Mehndi
* 1971 Badnaam Farishte
* 1972 Dushman
* 1972 Amar Prem
* 1972 Apna Desh
* 1972 Dil Daulat Duniya
* 1972 Bawarchi
* 1972 Joroo Ka Ghulam
* 1972 Mere Jeevan Sathi
* 1972 Maalik
* 1972 Shehzada
* 1972 Anuraag
* 1973 Raja Rani
* 1973 Daag
* 1973 Namak Haraam
* 1973 Avishkaar
* 1973 Bombay Superstar ( A BBC Production )
* 1974 Humshakal
* 1974 Aap Ki Kasam
* 1974 Prem Nagar
* 1974 5 Rifles (Special Appearance)
* 1974 Ajnabee
* 1974 Roti (Co-Produced by Rajesh Khanna)
* 1974 Badhti Ka Naam Dadhi (Special Appearance)
* 1975 Prem Kahani
* 1975 Aakraman (Special Appearance)
* 1976 Sawa Lakh Se Ek Ladaun [Punjabi]( Special Appearance)
* 1976 Maha Chor
* 1976 Bundal Baaz
* 1976 Ginny Aur Johnny (Special Appearance)
* 1976 Mehbooba
* 1977 Tyaag
* 1977 Karm
* 1977 Chhailla Babu
* 1977 Chalta Purza
* 1977 Anurodh
* 1977 Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka
* 1977 Aaina (Special Appearance)
* 1977 Hatyara (Special Appearance)
* 1977 Tinku (Special Appearance)
* 1977 Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein
* 1978 Chakravyuha
* 1978 Bhola Bhala (Double Role)
* 1978 Naukri
* 1979 Naya Bakra (Special Appearance)
* 1979 Cinema Cinema (Special Appearance)
* 1979 Til Til Dalekha [Punjabi]
* 1979 Muqabla ( Special Appearance )
* 1979 Janata Havaldar
* 1979 Shaitan Mujrim ( Special Appearance )
* 1979 Majnoon
* 1979 Bebus
* 1979 Amar Deep
* 1979 Prem Bandhan
* 1980 Phir Wohi Raat
* 1980 Bandish
* 1980 Thodisi Bewafaii
* 1980 Red Rose
* 1980 Aanchal
* 1981 Kudrat
* 1981 Sundara Satar [Marathi] (Special Appearance)
* 1981 Dhanwan
* 1981 Dard (Double Role )
* 1981 Naseeb ( as Himself Special Appearance )
* 1981 Dushman Dost
* 1981 Bharos
* 1981 Fiffty Fiffty
* 1981 Khoon Aur Paani (Special Appearance)
* 1982 Dil-E-Nadaan
* 1982 Ashanti
* 1982 Suraag (Special Appearance)
* 1982 Rajput
* 1982 Dharam Kanta
* 1982 Ayaash (Special Appearance)
* 1983 Jaanwar
* 1983 Nishaan
* 1983 Souten
* 1983 Avtaar
* 1983 Agar Tum Na Hote
* 1983 Disco Dancer (Supporting role)
* 1983 Film Hi Film (Special Appearance)
* 1984 Paapi Pet Ka Sawaal Hai
* 1984 Dharm Aur Qanoon
* 1984 Awaaz
* 1984 Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar
* 1984 Asha Jyoti
* 1984 Maqsad
* 1984 Naya Kadam
* 1985 Oonche Log
* 1985 Zamana
* 1985 Hum Dono ( Double Role)
* 1985 Masterji
* 1985 Insaaf Main Karoonga
* 1985 Durgaa (Special Appearance)
* 1985 Aakhir Kyon?
* 1985 Bewafai
* 1985 Alag Alag (Produced by Rajesh Khanna)
* 1985 Babu
* 1985 Ram Tere Kitne Nam ( Himself )
* 1985 Aar Paar
* 1985 Bayen Haath Ka Khel
* 1985 Awara Baap
* 1986 Shatru
* 1986 Om
* 1986 Waapsi
* 1986 Mohabbat Ki Kasam
* 1986 Angaaray
* 1986 Amrit
* 1986 Adhikar
* 1986 Nasihat
* 1986 Anokha Rishta
* 1987 Sitapur Ki Geeta
* 1987 Nazrana
* 1987 Awam
* 1987 Goraa
* 1987 Raj Kapoor
* 1988 Woh Phir Aayegi
* 1988 Vijay ( Supporting Role )
* 1989 Main Tera Dushman ( Guest Appearance )
* 1989 Mamta ki Chhaon Mein ( Special Appearance )
* 1989 Police Ke Peechhe Police ( Produced by Rajesh Khanna )
* 1989 Ghar Ka Chiraag
* 1989 Paap Ka Ant (Special Appearance)
* 1990 Swarg
* 1990 Jai Shiv Shankar ( Produced by Rajesh Khanna )
* 1990 Dushman
* 1991 Ghar Parivar
* 1991 Rupaye Dus Karod
* 1991 Begunah
* 1994 Khudai
* 1995 Kis Kaam Ke Yeh Rishte
* 1996 Sautela Bhai
* 1999 Aa Ab Laut Chalen
* 2001 Pyaar Zindagi Hai
* 2002 Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa ( Supporting role )
* 2006 Jaana... Let's Fall in Love ( Special Appearance )
* 2007 Om Shanti Om (Special Appearance)
* 2008 Wafa
* 2009 Kash Mere Hote ( Supporting role)
* 2010 Do Dilon Ke Khel Mein ( Supporting role )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Producer
* Year Film
* 1985 Alag Alag
* 1989 Police Ke Peeche Police
* 1990 Jai Shiv Shankar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Co-Producer
* Year Film
* 1971 Mehboob Ki Mehndi
* 1974 Roti
* 1995 Barsaat
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
** Playback Singer
* Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)
* Safar (1970)
* Raja Rani (1973)
* Shehzada (1972)
* Amar Prem (1972)
* Daag (1973)
* Ajnabee
* Souten (1983)
Awards, honours and recognitions
Filmfare Awards
Won
1971 – Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Sachaa Jhutha
1972 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Anand
1973 – Filmfare Special Guest Actor Award for Anuraag (1973 film)
1975 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Avishkaar
1991 – Filmfare Special Award for completing 25 years in the Indian Film Industry as the main male lead hero with 101 films as the solo lead hero and starring in just 21 two hero films till 1991.
2005 – Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (Golden Jubilee function)
Nominated
1970 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Aradhana
1970 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Ittefaq
1972 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Kati Patang
1973 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Dushman (1971 film)
1973 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Amar Prem
1974 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Daag: A Poem of Love
1975 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Prem Nagar
1980 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Amardeep
1981 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Thodisi Bewafaii
1982 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Dard (1981 film)
1984 – Filmfare Best Actor Award for Avtaar
Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards
Rajesh Khanna has been nominated for Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards Best Actor for the maximum number of times - 25 times (a record) and won 4 of them.
1972 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Anand
1973 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Bawarchi
1974 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Namak Haraam
1987 – Winner BFJA Awards, Best Actor for Amrit (film)
Pride of the Film Industry Award
2005 Rajesh Khanna was awarded the `Pride of Film Industry Award'
Dada Saheb Phalke Academy Award
2008 Phalke Legendary Golden Actor Award at Mumbai on the occasion of Dada Saheb Phalke Birth day celebration.
IIFA Award
2009 Lifetime Achievement Award for Super Star Rajesh Khanna in Macau, China
Tamil Cine World Award
2009 All India Film Workers Association Life Time Achievement Award
International Pune Film Festival Award
2010 Life Time Achievement Award
Bollywood Awards
2004 Lifetime of Glamour award at the Kingfisher Bollywood Fashion Awards
2004 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Bollywood Awards held in US
Zee Cine Awards
2001 Zee Cine Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Indian Cinema
Sansui Film Awards
2001 Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Third Sansui Film Awards held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
All India Critics Association Award
1985 All-India Critics Association (AICA) Best Actor Award in 1985 at Calcutta for Aaj Ka M.L.A. Ram Avtar
Apsara Awards
2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Major Contribution to Indian Cinema by the Film and Television Producers Guild Association
Other Awards
1982 – Winner Lions Club, New Delhi– Best Actor Award for Dard
1994 – Winner Russian Film Festival, Ujvegistan- Best Actor for Khudai
2003 Maharashtra State Government's Raj Kapoor Awards presented on April 30, 2003
2006 Yugantar Gaurav Puraskar 2006 awarded by Chandibai Himmatmal Mansukhani (CHM) College as part of the Gaurav Diwas celebrations on 4 February 2006
2006 Award for Outstanding contribution to Indian cinema at the 2006 Bollywood Movie Awards held on June 10, at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya
Khanna was a recipient of the Glory of India Award by IIFS, London
Khanna was awarded Mother Teresa Award
Rajesh Khanna won Bharat Jyoti National Award
Kala Ratna Awards
1995 – Winner Kala Ratna Award
In 1995 Rajesh Khanna was honoured with the Kala Ratna Award by Punjabi Kala Sangam at Delhi by the then Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.
Interesting Facts
** David Dhawan regards Swarg as his most favorite directorial venture and said in an interview " Swarg did well. Though a serious film, people even today talk about it as it struck a chord. I was working with Rajesh Khanna for the first time. I shared a good rapport with him. He never threw tantrums on the sets."
** He shared a close relationship with R.D. Burman and Kishore Kumar. The trio were friends and have worked together in more than thirty films. Work of Pancham with Khanna is regarded as legendary and far superior than any other actor-music director combinations. The king of playback singing Kishore Kumar had even credited Rajesh Khanna for his resurgence, so much so that he sang for Alag Alag, the first film produced by Rajesh Khanna without charging anything. In 1985 Pancham found himself being sidelined after failure of few films but Rajesh Khanna was among the few who continued to stand by him. Rajesh and Pancham worked together even after the death of Kishore in the films Jai Shiv Shankar, the unreleased film Police Ke Peechhe Police (both produced by Khanna ) and Sautela Bhai. Khanna even helped Leena Gangully and Amit Kumar in completing Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein, the last film directed by Kishore who died before the completion of the film.
** Pyarelal (music director) quoted in an interview that “Rajesh Khanna was lucky for us and we were lucky for him too. From the 1969 Do Raaste to the 1986 Amrit, we gave hits together both as films and as music scores.... When we went on our first overseas concert tour in 1984, he came and danced to three songs. He was very particular about his music and would take a tape home if he could not assess a song. He would then give his feedback after a day or two. But if he liked a song at the sitting, he would loudly shout “Wah! Wah!” in appreciation…. It was God’s blessing that we came up with such a vast range of hit songs for him, including in his home productions Roti and films like Chhailla Babu, Chakravyuha, Fiffty Fiffty, Amar Deep and Bewafai. Incidentally, he had a stake in Mehboob Ki Mehndi too. He had great interest in music and a terrific sense of melody too. His music is dominated by Pancham (R.D. Burman) and us and we accepted Shakti Samanta’s Anurodh only because Rajesh Khanna had some misunderstanding with Pancham then and did not want to work with him." Khanna would always request music directors to fit in Kishore Kumar wherever possible. In fact, Kishoreda was very reluctant to sing "Waada Tera Waada" in Dushman and suggested Laxmikant Pyarelal to get it sung by Rafi. Then Laxmikant made Kishoreda meet Rajesh Khanna and Khanna winked at Laxmikant and told Kishoreda that in that case the song should be scrapped. On hearing this Kishore immediately agreed to sing it by himself for Khanna.
** Actors who were part of the cast of most of his films include Ashok Kumar, Sujit Kumar, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, Asrani, Bindu, Vijay Arora, Roopesh Kumar, Dina Pathak and A. K. Hangal, who remained part of his " working team" since the start until the late eighties. The lyricist whom he preferred for his movies was Anand Bakshi. Films by Shakti Samanta with Rajesh Khanna in the lead, music by Pancham and lyrics by Anand Bakshi had people swooning over. The films Samanta directed without Khanna in the eighties were duds. His other close friends from the film industry include Raj Babbar, J.Om Prakash and Jeetendra.
** Celebrities of the post-2000 era, like Madhur Bhandarkar, say that they take at least three or four turns in Carter Road even today only to see Rajesh Khanna. The younger generation stars like Imran Khan still regard Rajesh Khanna as someone who would take the top slot as the most romantic hero of all time.
** Shahrukh Khan idolises Rajesh Khanna and has opined,"Rajesh Khanna you can’t touch".
** Actor Tom Alter confessed “I still dream of being Rajesh Khanna. For me, in the early 1970s, he was the only hero – romantic to the core, not larger than life, so Indian and real – he was my hero; the reason I came into films and he still is.”
** Actor Irrfan Khan accepted in an interview, "The kind of craze witnessed by Rajesh Khanna has not been duplicated by anyone. He was the biggest and the most real star Bollywood has produced. I'd say stardom is that feeling of being possessed by your idol; you are so overwhelmed with euphoria you lose touch with reality."
** Rajesh Khanna was the last superstar to set fashion trends. The trend of wearing guru kurtas and belt on shirts became famous in seventies and eighties because of Rajesh Khanna.
** Rajesh Khanna considered Guru Dutt, Meena Kumari and Geeta Bali as his idols.Rajesh Khanna dislosed in an interview," My inspirations include, Dilip Kumar's dedication and intensity, Raj Kapoor's spontaneity, Dev Anand's style and Shammi Kapoor's rhythm."
** During the filming of the song 'Mere Sapnon Ki Rani' in Aradhana, Sharmila Tagore was shooting for a Satyajit Ray film and director Shakti Samanta had to shoot their scenes separately and then join the scenes together.
** Rajesh Khanna is also credited with giving Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar their first chance to become screenplay writers by offering them work in Haathi Mere Saathi.Javed Akhthar accepted in an interview "One day, he went to Salimsaab and said that Mr. Devar had given him a huge signing amount with which he could complete the payment for his bungalow Aashirwad. But the film's script was far from being satisfactory. He told us that if we could set right the script, he would make sure we got both money and credit."
** Popularity and Huge fan following
* During the peak of his career he would be mobbed during public appearances. Fans kissed his car, which would be covered with lipstick marks, and lined the road, cheering and chanting his name. Female fans sent him letters written in their blood.There used to be a line of cars of his producers and hysterical fans outside his bungalow every day. Actor Mehmood parodied him in Bombay to Goa where the driver and conductor of the bus were called 'Rajesh' and 'Khanna'. Even today, he remains the favourite of mimicry artists, who copy his trademark style and dialogue delivery. During the filming of Amar Prem there was a scene that needed to be filmed at Howrah Bridge with a boat carrying Khanna with Sharmila moving under the bridge. The authorities ruled this scene out as they realized that if the public found out that the hero of the film would be there, it may create problems on the bridge itself, and that it might collapse due to the amount of people trying to get a glimpse of their favourite actor. Film critic Monojit Lahiri remembers “Girls married themselves to photographs of Rajesh Khanna, cutting their fingers and applying the blood as sindoor. Rajesh was God, there has never been such hysteria.”
* Media called him as 'The Phenomenon '.
* The BBC made a film on him, titled Bombay Superstar, in 1974, the shooting for which began the same time when he got married and his film Daag premiered. In the video it can be noticed that Khanna was shooting for Aap Ki Kasam. A textbook prescribed by the Bombay University contained an essay, 'The Charisma of Rajesh Khanna!'.
* Sharmila Tagore said in interview to India Express, “Women came out in droves to see Kaka (Khanna). They would stand in queues outside the studios to catch a glimpse, they would marry his photographs, they would pull at his clothes. Delhi girls were crazier for him than Mumbai girls. He needed police protection when he was in public. I have never seen anything like this before and since.”
** Rajesh Khanna in an interview to Hindu newspaper said,"Though “Aakhri Khat” is my first film, I received my first break as a leading actor in Ravindra Dave's, “Raaz” in 1967. My heroine was Babita, already a popular actress then. Though I had lots of confidence, I was shy in facing the camera initially. In my first three shots, I had to perform with stress on my body language and dialogue delivery. Though I was right with my dialogues, my movements were not up to the mark. Ravindra Dave explained me my scenes and movements very clearly correcting my way of walking".
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The Story of Rajesh Khanna's Bungalow 'Aashirvad' :--
Sometime in the sixties, Carter Road was just a cluster of bungalows, mainly belonging to the East Indian community and Parsis. The only known bungalow facing the sea was Aashiyana built by the music director, Naushad, who had just tasted big success. There was another bungalow close to it; a two storeyed one in a decrepit and dilapidated state.
A friend brought the existence of the bungalow to the notice of Rajendra Kumar, who was then a young man, a victim of the Partition, who had just landed in Mumbai and made a name for himself in the industry. He was willing to buy the bungalow but didn't have enough money. He rushed to the well-known filmmaker B R Chopra and told him he was not only willing to do Kanoon (India's first songless film) but also two other films if he were paid in advance. The kind-hearted Chopra paid him Rs 90,000 in cash. Rajendra found out who the owner of the bungalow was, and sealed a deal for just Rs.60,000. He shifted there but not before consulting his best friend, actor Manoj Kumar. Now Manoj had heard of the bungalow being haunted, however he advised Rajendra not to take the stories seriously and instead perform a puja and move in.
'Dimple'
Rajendra gave the bungalow a new look and named it Dimple, after his daughter. He was so grateful to Manoj that he kept a room on the upper floor for Manoj's use at any time. He even named his son Manoj, who was to later become actor Kumar Gaurav. It was during the time Rajendra lived in Dimple that he saw the kind of success very few stars had seen. Every film he starred in was at least a jubilee, so much so he earned the moniker 'Jubilee Kumar'. He grew richer and built another bungalow at Pali Hill, which he again named Dimple.
'Aashirwad'
It was at the same time that a newcomer called Rajesh Khanna was taking his first big steps as a star. He came from a rich family and had even made enough money on his own. He realised Rajendra was looking for a buyer for his Carter Road bungalow and felt it would be a good investment. His superstition became his guide --- he believed Rajendra's success would rub on to him if he shifted there.
After much begging and pleading, Rajendra finally decided to sell the
bungalow to Rajesh for just Rs 31/2 lakh. Rajesh too wanted to name the
bungalow Dimple, but Rajendra flatly refused because he had already
named his Pali Hill bungalow by the same name. So, Rajesh shifted into
the bungalow, gave it a fresh look, and called it Aashirwad.
Call it superstition or whatever you may, his entire life and career changed as soon as he shifted there. Success chased him all the way till he became India's 'first superstar'. His belief or 'superstition' paid him rich dividends. It was in this same bungalow that he, by some quirk of fate, married a very young Dimple Kapadia, and this was the same bungalow which became more popular than any of Mumbai's famous sites. It was from here that he looked out of his window to see hundreds and thousands of people, mostly girls, waiting for hours, only to get a glimpse of him. It was in this bungalow that he planned all his moves, and sat with his friends drinking till late in the night, devising ways to increase his popularity. It was here that he saw the kind of success no other star has ever seen.
However, this was also the bungalow that saw his fall from grace as one film after another flopped at the box office and a stage came when an actor called Amitabh Bachchan, with eight big flops to his name, struck gold with Zanjeer, and snatched away all the glory from the greatest superstar. Life was never the same for him again. His wife and children left him, and this house.
Success also left with them. He reached a point where he had no work, no fans, and not even those so-called admirers, who made being with him their way to earn a livelihood. The story took a bizarre turn when he first fell sick and then never recovered, and finally it was from this bungalow that he had to leave the world forever.
Call it superstition or whatever you may, his entire life and career changed as soon as he shifted there. Success chased him all the way till he became India's 'first superstar'. His belief or 'superstition' paid him rich dividends. It was in this same bungalow that he, by some quirk of fate, married a very young Dimple Kapadia, and this was the same bungalow which became more popular than any of Mumbai's famous sites. It was from here that he looked out of his window to see hundreds and thousands of people, mostly girls, waiting for hours, only to get a glimpse of him. It was in this bungalow that he planned all his moves, and sat with his friends drinking till late in the night, devising ways to increase his popularity. It was here that he saw the kind of success no other star has ever seen.
However, this was also the bungalow that saw his fall from grace as one film after another flopped at the box office and a stage came when an actor called Amitabh Bachchan, with eight big flops to his name, struck gold with Zanjeer, and snatched away all the glory from the greatest superstar. Life was never the same for him again. His wife and children left him, and this house.
Success also left with them. He reached a point where he had no work, no fans, and not even those so-called admirers, who made being with him their way to earn a livelihood. The story took a bizarre turn when he first fell sick and then never recovered, and finally it was from this bungalow that he had to leave the world forever.
'Vardan Aashirwad'
His daughters are now planning to convert Aashirwad into a Rajesh Khanna museum, but it is still very early to say. After veteran superstar Rajesh Khanna's demise last month, his home on Carter Road in Bandra turned into almost a shrine where thousands of fans poured in to pay their last respects. According to the late actor’s last wish, the iconic landmark Aashirwad has been renamed as Vardan Aashirwad.
A source close to the family says, "Kakaji always felt that Aashirwad should be named Vardan Aashirwad and he had conveyed his wish to his wife Dimple Kapadia and daughters and his son-in-law Akshay Kumar. That’s how now one can see the new name on the bungalow."
Courtesy: The Times of India
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Three memorable movies of Rajesh Khanna
(1) Aradhana (1969)
==================
Aradhana is a 1969 Bollywood film directed by Shakti Samanta, starring Sharmila Tagore and Rajesh Khanna. It was voted best film of the year by the Filmfare Awards.
Details:-
* Directed by----- Shakti Samanta
* Produced by----- Shakti Samanta
* Distributed by-- Shakti Films
* Written by ----- Sachin Bhowmick
* Cinematography-- Alok Dasgupta
* Art Direction--- Shanti Das
* Editing by------ Sahil Budhiraja
* Music by-------- S. D. Burman
* Lyrics by------- Anand Bakshi.
* Release date(s)- November 7, 1969
* Running time---- 169 mins
* Country--------- India
* Language-------- Hindi
Star Cast:-
* Rajesh Khanna------ Arun and Suraj Prasad Saxena
* Sharmila Tagore---- Vandhana Tripathi
* Farida Jalal------- Renu
* Sujit Kumar-------- Madan Verma
* Pahadi Sanyal------ Dr. Gopal Tripathi
* Abhi Bhattacharya-- Ram Prasad Saxena
* Anita Guha--------- Mrs. Prasad Saxena
* Madan Puri--------- as Jailer
* Asit Sen----------- Tikaram
* Manmohan----------- Shyam
* Subhash Ghai------- Prakash
* Dulari------------- Doctor
Story:-
As the film starts, we see a white-clad Vandana being denounced in a courtroom, and after tearfully refusing to speak in her own defense being sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. In jail she remembers incidents of her life.
Vandana is returning from college to her hill-station home, where she lives with her father, Gopal Tripathi, a medical doctor and widower. As she rides the narrow-gauge train through the mountains, she hears a young airman, Arun Varma (Khanna) on the adjacent motor road singing the amorous song Mere sapnon ki rani while he eyes her flirtatiously. Their paths soon cross in her hometown, where Arun begins to woo her more ardently.
Soon, with the blessing of Vandana's father and Arun’s boss Air Commodore Ganguly (Ashok Kumar), the engagement is sealed. But before the planned nuptials can occur, Arun and Vandana pay a visit to a Shiva temple where, at the prompting of a cheerful priest, they impulsively exchange garlands and “marry before God.” A sudden storm then forces the lovers into a nearby bungalow where they spend a night.
Vandana worries about it the next morning, Arun assures her that they will be formally wed in just a few days, when he returns from a flying trip to Delhi.
But alas, the young airman’s plane crashes. He survives only long enough to remind the weeping Vandana, at his bedside, of his dream of having a son named Suraj (“sun”) who, like him, will become a pilot and range the skies; he extracts from her the promise to make this dream come true. Soon after his death, the distraught Vandana indeed discovers that she is pregnant, and reveals to her shocked father—who could arrange a face-saving abortion—that she intends to keep and raise the child, dedicating her life to the “worship” (aradhana) of her lost love. Despite her father’s blessing, Vandana’s plight now grows grimmer. Arun’s family (eager to inherit his property) mocks her tale of a secret “marriage” and denounces her as a loose woman, and soon after this her father expires.
When she gives birth to a beautiful son, a lady doctor advises leaving him at an orphanage door and then coming the next day to “adopt” him—the only means by which she can salvage respectability as a single mother. But this plan too goes awry, as the baby is accidentally given to a prosperous couple, the Saxenas, whose own child was stillborn. When Vandana contacts the husband and attempts to retrieve the boy, admitting the real facts behind his birth, Mr. Saxena convinces her to join the household as a nursemaid, so that her son can grow up with the advantage of the family’s wealth. Thus begins Vandana’s long, worshipful “penance” for her romantic indiscretion, as she nurtures the child, indeed named Suraj, maintaining the illusion that he is someone else’s son.
One day foreign-returned brother of Mrs. Saxena, Shyam (Manmohan) tries to rape Vandana,when no-one is around, but Suraj arrives and stabs his "uncle" to death in order to save his nanny. Upon the arrival of police, Vandana confesses to the murder while Suraj is kept away. She now gladly accepts a jail sentence for murder rather than endanger her child. Thus, Vandana is sent to jail and Suraj forgets this mishap as he grows up.
When she is released on good behavior after twelve years, she learns that Mr. Saxena has died and his wife and son have moved to an unknown place. Homeless once more, she accepts the invitation of the kindly jailer (Madan Puri) to come to his house in Delhi as his adopted sister. He takes her home and introduces her to his daughter Renu (Farida Jalal). Vandana comes face to face with her son Suraj (Rajesh Khanna) when she discovers that Renu is dating him.
Suraj, just like how his father wished, is an air-force officer. He slowly starts remembering that he has seen Vandana somewhere, although Vandana wants to hide the truth as she feels Suraj may be embarrased upon realizing his parent's background and history. Vandana makes herself home at the jailer's house.
At one time, Suraj gets injured in an air crash just like his real father Arun, but survives. At that time, Vandana meets Madan, who knows that Suraj is Arun and Vandana's son and he wants to tell Suraj the truth. Again, Vandana denies wanting to let Suraj know that he is her son, fearing the consequences. Later when Vandana is not around, Suraj sees her diary where Arun's photo is found. Realizing that Arun and Vandana are his true parents, he however salutes Vandana's self-sacrificing attitude and accepts her as his mother.
Soundtrack:-
* The soundtrack of the film is composed by S. D. Burman.
* The lyrics are penned by Anand Bakshi.
** Title----------------------------------------------- Singers
1 "Roop Tera Mastana"-------------------------- Kishore Kumar
2 "Baghon Mein Bahar Hai"-------------------- Mohammed Rafi, Lata
3 "Chanda Hai Tu Mera Suraj Hai Tu"------ Lata Mangeshkar
4 "Mere Sapno Ki Rani"-------------------------Kishore Kumar
5 "Gun Guna Rahe Hai Bhanvare"----------- Mohammed Rafi, Asha
6 "Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Man Mera"-------- Kishore Kumar, Lata
7 "Saphal Hogi Teri Aradhana"---------------- S D Burman
Awards:-
** 1969 Filmfare Awards
* Filmfare Best Movie Award: Shakti Samanta
* Filmfare Best Actress Award: Sharmila Tagore
* Filmfare Best Male Playback Award: Kishore Kumar for the song "Roop Tera Mastana"
Interesting Facts:-
* It is a remake of the 1946 Hollywood film To Each His Own.
* Sharmila Tagore won her first Filmfare Best Actress Award for the same role that won Olivia de Havilland her first Academy Award for Best Actress.
* Originally released in Hindi and dubbed in Bengali, Aradhana's huge success gave way to two remakes, both starring Vanisri in Sharmila Tagore's role: the Tamil film Sivakamiyin Selvan (1974) and the Telugu film Kannavari Kalalu (1974).
* Burman had already started recording the songs for Aradhana and used Mohammad Rafi's voice for two songs but became very ill shortly thereafter and had to be hospitalized. The responsibility for finishing the soundtrack fell on his son R. D. Burman, who decided to use Kishore Kumar for the songs "Roop Tera Mastana" and "Mere Sapno Ki Rani". Kishore Kumar bagged his first Filmfare Award for "Roop Tera Mastana", later that year.
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(2) Anand (1971)
============
Anand is a Hindi film written and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and released in 1971. It starred Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles; Rajesh Khanna played the title role.
Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Anand famously laced the tears with laughter. Anand is memorable not only for affording us the chance to see two superstars Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan together, but also because it presented, in the form of Anand (played by Rajesh Khanna), an unforgettable character who can laugh in the face of death.
Details:-
* Directed by --- Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Produced by --- Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
* Written by ---- Bimal Dutta, Gulzar, D.N. Mukherjee, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Biren Tripathy
* Music by------- Salil Choudhury
* Cinematography- Jaywant Pathare
* Edited by------ Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Art direction-- Ajit Banerjee
* Distributed by- Digital Entertainment
* Running time--- 123 minutes
* Country-------- India
* Language------- Hindi
Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli Haye...
Star Cast:-
* Rajesh Khanna ------Anand Sehgal
* Amitabh Bachchan----Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee
* Sumita Sanyal-------Renu
* Durga Khote---------Renu's mother
* Johnny Walker-------Issa Bhai / Murarilal
* Asit Sen -----------Amitabh's patient
* Ramesh Deo----------Dr Kulkarni
* Seema Deo ----------Mrs.Kulkarni
* Lalita Pawar--------Matron
* Dara Singh----------Pahalwan
Story:-
The film opens at a literary awards ceremony at which a brooding young cancer specialist, Bhaskar Banerjee, M. D., receives a prize for a “novel” entitled Anand. The doctor’s revelation that the book is, in fact, a true story extracted from his diary leads into the flashback comprising the rest of the film.
The story is about Anand Sehgal (Rajesh Khanna), a cancer (lymphosarcoma of the intestine) patient who believes in living his life to the fullest. He comes to Mumbai to live his last days there and to meet his friend Kulkarni (Ramesh Dev). Contrasting Anand is Bhaskar Banerjee (Amitabh Bachchan) a sober doctor, upset with life and the dark reality of his nation. Bhaskar's tete-a-tete with Anand makes him notice the colours behind all the despair and complexity in one's life and teaches him a lesson.
Though fully aware of the grim prognosis, Anand is determined to snatch whatever joy he can in the time left to him...and he particularly enjoys putting other people’s lives in order.
After a brief stay in a private hospital, where he charms the nursing staff, he invites himself to live with Bhaskar.
Bhaskar loves it! So does nearly everyone else whom Anand meets, the outwardly stern but inwardly maternal Goan headnurse Mrs. D’Sa (Lalita Pawar), the teary-eyed widow (Durga Khote), the brawny Punjabi wrestler (Dara Singh), and the Muslim actor Isa Bhai (Johnny Walker).
Anand arranges the marriage of shy Doctor Bhaskar and his patient Renu. He hides his secret of his own inner sorrow over a lost love from everybody.
After spreading happiness everywhere around himself and changing the lives of many, Anand, as destined, leaves them all, which inspires Bhaskar to write a book on his life.
The film is a narrative, as Bhaskar writes in his diary about his life before Anand, his first meeting, how his relationship with him changes from a doctor-patient to a friend and then to a friend for whom he can do anything, and how a dying man changes his way of thinking to a great extent.
Awards:-
* 1971: National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi: Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
* 1972: Filmfare Best Movie Award: Hrishikesh Mukherjee, N.C. Sippy
* 1972: Filmfare Best Actor Award: Rajesh Khanna
* 1972: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award: Amitabh Bachchan
* 1972: Filmfare Best Dialogue Award: Gulzar
* 1972: Filmfare Best Editing Award: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* 1972: Filmfare Best Story Award: Hrishikesh Mukherjee
Music:-
* The musical score for the film was composed by Salil Chaudhary.
* The lyrics were written by Gulzar and Yogesh. * Gulzar wrote the poem "Maut To Ek Kawita Hai" which is narrated by Amitabh Bachchan.
Song--------------------------------------Singer--------- Lyricist
* Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli----------Manna Dey--- Yogesh
* Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal ------- Mukesh------- Yogesh
* Maine Tere Liye Hi Saat -------- Mukesh--------Gulzar
* Na Jiyaa Lage Na----------------- Lata ----------- Gulzar
Interesting facts:-
* The movie 'Anand' is listed in "Hrishikesh Mukherjee's best films" compiled by rediff.com.
* Indiatimes Movies ranks the movie amongst the "Top 25 Must See Bollywood Films".
*Rajesh Khanna was at the giddy height of his superstardom and Anand added tremendous respect as an actor to his profile. He won Filmfare's Best Actor Award for the film.
*Amitabh won Best Supporting Actor Award but lost Mukherjee's next, Guddi because he had become a known face and the director wanted an unknown actor opposite newcomer Jaya Bhaduri.
* The dialogues were written by Gulzar. They have a lyrical and poetic touch as the characters of Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee (played by Bachchan) and the dialogue writer of film, Gulzar, are poets in the film and in reality.
* Earlier Hrishi da had approached Lata Mangeshkar to work as a music director for this movie as she had already worked as a successful music director in Marathi movies under the pseudonym of "Anandghan". But she gracefully declined the offer and decided to sing for the film than composing it.
* Anand was originally supposed to star famous Bollywood actors Kishore Kumar and Mehmood in the lead roles. One of the producers, N.C. Sippy, had earlier served as Mehmood's production manager. The character Babu Moshai was to be played by Mehmood. Hrishikesh was asked to meet Kishore Kumar to discuss the project. However, when Hrishikesh Mukherjee went to Kishore Kumar's house, he was driven away by the gatekeeper due to a misunderstanding. Kishore Kumar (himself a Bengali) had done a stage show organized by another Bengali man, and he was involved in a fight with this man over money matters. He had instructed his gatekeeper to drive away this "Bengali", if he ever visited the house. When Hrishikesh Mukherjee (also a Bengali) went to Kumar's house, the gatekeeper mistook him for the "Bengali" that Kishore Kumar had asked him to drive away. The incident hurt Mukherjee so much that he decided not to work with Kumar. Consequently, Mehmood had to leave the film as well, and new actors (Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan) were signed up.
* Watching Anand leaves us nostalgic for Hrishikesh Mukherjee's typically literate, realm of moviemaking. Characters recite poetry and live in hermetically-sealed genially civilized worlds.
* The songs are picturised with a pleasantly unhurried rhythm. The crown jewel is indubitably Zindagi kaisi hai paheli shot next to a seemingly horizonless sea and a limitless sky into which a bunch of balloons disappear in tandem with the lines: Ek din sapno ka rahi chala jaaye sapno ke aage kahan.
* Film expert and musicologist Rajesh Subramanian opines that the Hrishikesh Mukherjee shot the film in 28 days.
* The character of Anand was inspired by Raj Kapoor, who used to call Hrishikesh Mukherjee as "Babu Moshay". It is believed that Mukherjee wrote the film when once Raj Kapoor was seriously ill and he thought that he may die. The film is dedicated to "Raj Kapoor and the people of Bombay."
* Later, Anand was remade in Malayalam, with the name Chitrashalabham (Butterfly) starring Jayaram and Biju Menon.
* Hrishikesh Mukheree is ably aided by Gulzar who writes some deathless dialogue like:--
(a) "Zindagi aur maut uparwale ke haath mein hai, Jahanpanah. Hum sab rangmanch ki kathputliyan hain jinki dor uparwale ki ungliyon se bandhi hui hai. Kab kaun uthega koi nahin bata sakta. Ha ha ha." (We are all puppets in the hands of the supreme being who holds the strings of our lives. We will never know which string he will pull next).
(b) "Zindagi badi honi chahiye lambi nahi.”
(“Whether you live seventy years or six months, life needs to be big, it doesn’t need to be long.”)
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(3) Bawarchi (1972)
==================
Bawarchi is a 1972 Indian film directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee starring Rajesh Khanna and Jaya Badhuri with Asrani, A.K. Hangal, Usha Kiran and Durga Khote in supporting roles.The movie is inspired by the Bengali Film Galpa Holeo Satyi (1966) by Tapan Sinha.
In Mukherjee's classic style, the film contains no violence or obscenities, and focuses on spreading family values and morals through clean comedy. The movie was a hit. It was the 8th highest grossing film of the year.
Details:-
* Directed by-------- Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Produced by-------- Hrishikesh Mukherjee,N.C. Sippy,Romu N. Sippy
* Story by----------- Tapan Sinha
* Written by--------- Gulzar,Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Screenplay by------ Hrishikesh Mukherjee
* Dialogue by-------- Gulzar
* Editing by--------- Das Dhaimade
* Cinematography by - Jaywant Pathare
* Art Direction by--- Ajit Banerjee
* Animation by------- S. G. Naiksatam
* Choreography by---- Gopi Krishna
* Narration by------- Amitabh Bachchan
* Music by----------- Madan Mohan
* Lyrics by---------- Kaifi Azmi
* Release date(s)---- 1972
* Country------------ India
* Language----------- Hindi
Star Cast:-
* Rajesh Khanna---------------- Raghu (Bawarchi)
* Jaya Bhaduri----------------- Krishna Sharma
* Usha Kiran------------------- Shobha Sharma (Choti maa)
* Harindranath Chattopadhyay -- Shivnath Sharma (Daduji)
* A. K. Hangal----------------- Ramnath Sharma (Munna)
* Durga Khote------------------ Seeta Sharma (Badi maa)
* Asrani----------------------- Vishwanath Sharma (Babbu)
* Kali Bannerjee--------------- Kashinath Sharma
* Paintal---------------------- Dance Master (Guruji)
* Raju Shrestha---------------- Pintoo Baba (as Master Raju)
* Manisha---------------------- Krishna's cousin
* Amitabh Bachchan------------- Narrator
Story:-
The story is centered around the squabbling Sharma family, headed by their eccentric Daduji (Harindranath Chattopadhyay), which has a dubious reputation the inability to retain a cook for more than a few months due to their ill treatment of their servants. The family's disrepute spreads to such an extent that no person wants to be employed as a cook in their home, ironically named Shanti Niwas (abode of peace).
Then one day a young man named Raghu (Rajesh Khanna) offers to work as a cook, and is hired. Raghu, however, lives up to this challenge & becomes the apple of the eye for every resident of Shanti Niwas. He even defuses the internal squabbles & re-unites the family. But is Raghu's slate clean, or there is more to his character?
The film starts by introduction of Shanti Niwas & its residents by Amitabh Bachchan, who is the narrator here. He points out that Shanti Niwas is a pot of ironies: Even though its name means "Home of Peace", there is no peace here. The home, which houses the Sharma family, has members who hate each other for reasons unknown. Even a servant cannot withstand the Sharma's for more than a month.
After every month, the search for a new servant has to start. Then, suddenly a servant named Raghu comes in. Even though nobody remembers asking for some Raghu, they hire him. But Raghu has his own surprises in store for them. Gradually, the whole home comes to know that Raghu is not only an accompolished chef, but also a singer & expert in dancing.
Raghu tells his masters that he worked for reputed veterans of given fields, who taught him something or the other. Gradually, many aces start falling out of his sleeves, causing the Sharma's to develop an attraction to him. Even Daduji, the disgruntled patriarch of the family, develops love for Raghu. The family puts so much trust in Raghu that they even unwittingly show him the box containing the family jewels.
Krishna(Jaya Bhaduri) is the recluse daughter of Daduji's dead son & daughter-in-law. On learning this, Raghu tutors her & brings her talents to the fore. He also helps in clearing up the misunderstandings & calling truces between the family members. Daduji cannot help but think that Raghu is actually a saviour sent by god. Meanwhile, nobody notices that Raghu is suspiciously eyeing the jewel box the whole time.
Meanwhile, Raghu learns that Krishna loves a boy, but the Sharma's are strictly against the union of Krishna with him. The boy also loves Krishna, but is helpless before Krishna's relatives as well. Between all the tangle, Raghu suddenly disappears. The Sharma's are also aghast to know that the box is missing as well.
It does not take the Sharma's to put two & two together. At the same time, Krishna's love interest shows up. The people are already angered at the turn of events & the boys arrival, but they receive a shock when he shows them the jewelry box. He explains that he saw Raghu in a suspicious condition with the box. When he asked Raghu about the box, Raghu tried to run away. He tried to stop Raghu, even beat him up(the boy is a wrestler), but Raghu somehow managed to escape.
Stunned by this unexpected turn of events, the attitude of Sharma's towards the boy changes & they agree to get him married with Krishna out of gratitude. Krishna, however, refuses to buy the story. When Sharma's start abusing Raghu, Krishna's lover cannot take it anymore and tells them what really happened.
He tells them that he met Raghu at his own wrestling ground. He had a little friendly match with Raghu, where he suffered minor injuries from Raghu. He saw the box & asked Raghu about it. Raghu said that the box was the real reason he came there. Raghu told the boy that his real name was professor Raghunandan Verma, but he took the fake name of Raghu. He had seen many families like the Sharma's which were on the brink of breaking up & hence decided to use his knowledge to stop this.
Raghu explained him that if he lies about the box & what happened between him & Raghu, the boy will be able to marry Krishna. Raghu had promised the boy to secrecy, but latter couldn't stand up the abuse to Raghu. A stunned Sharma family has to accept that Raghu went out of his way to save several homes like Shanti Niwas. Krishna manages to stop Raghu in time from going somewhere else.
Raghu tells her that this is his life mission now & he has to go. Krishna requests him to stop until her marriage, as she regards him as her brother. Raghu obliges & leaves Shanti Niwas after her marriage. The film ends with a scene of him travelling to a new destination & narration from Amitabh Bachchan that "Raghu is going to a new home. Let's hope it is not yours."
Music:-
* Music Director ---------- Madan Mohan
* Lyricist -------------------- Kaifi Azmi
Song Title------------------------------------------- Singers
* "Kahe Kanha Karat Barjori"------- Lakshmi Shankar
* "Mast Pawan Dole Re"-------------- Lata Mangeshkar
* "More Naina Bahayen Neer"------ Lata Mangeshkar
* "Pahle Chori Phir Seenajori"------- Kumari Faiyaz
* "Tum Bin Jeevan"--------------------- Manna Dey
* "Bhor Aai Gaya Andhiyara"-------- Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey,
Nirmala Devi, Lakshmi Shankar
Harindranath Chattopadhyay,
Awards:-
* Paintal received the Filmfare Best Comedian Award for Bawarchi in 1973.
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