Rajesh Khanna, originally named Jatin Khanna, was born on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab. He came from a Punjabi Hindu Khatri family and was adopted and raised by his maternal uncle, Chunnilal Khanna, and his wife, Leelawati Khanna. His biological parents were Lala Hiranand Khanna and Chandrani Khanna.

• Parents:
  Lala Hiranand Khanna (Father)
  Chandrani Khanna (Mother)
• Spouse:
  Dimple Kapadia
• Children:
  Twinkle Khanna
  Rinke Khanna
• Relatives:
  Akshay Kumar (Son-in-Law)
  Simple Kapadia (Sister-in-Law)
  Araav (Grandchild)
  Nitara (Grand Daughter)

Chunnilal Khanna
Leelawati Khanna

A young, shy, and hesitant man first stepped onto the vibrant Bollywood stage, unknowingly beginning a legendary career. Rajesh Khanna quickly became a heartthrob with a brooding, romantic image, capturing the hearts of millions with his ability to portray sensitive characters capable of both passionate love and devastating heartbreak. His quiet intensity and charm made him a beloved figure in Indian cinema, and his on-screen presence was carefully crafted over years of understanding his audience’s emotions, making him a deeply resonant star.

Khanna’s reserved, distant, and enigmatic persona only fueled public fascination, contributing to his allure both on and off-screen. Driven by a fierce ambition and an unwavering desire for perfection, he pushed himself and his team to excel, which led him to become a box office king. He broke records and set new standards of success during his career, which was marked by both incredible achievements and quiet, reflective moments. Khanna’s moods were spontaneous and unpredictable, one moment witty and playful, the next sensitive or distant, making his personality as multifaceted as his career.

Rajesh Khanna’s legacy remains undeniable, as he left behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated and shared. His career was a rollercoaster of remarkable highs, and his life remains an enduring enigma. Even today, Khanna’s story captivates audiences, and his unmatched talent continues to influence Bollywood, ensuring his place as one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema history.

Rajesh Khanna's educational journey began at St. Sebastian's Goan High School in Mumbai. He then attended Nowrosjee Wadia College in Pune and later completed his studies at Kishinchand Chellaram College in Mumbai.

• Rajesh Khanna's film debut came with Aakhri Khat (1966), directed by Chetan Anand. However, his first commercial success was Raaz (1967), which marked the beginning of his iconic career.
• He achieved greater recognition with the success of films like Aradhana (1969), which turned him into a superstar overnight.

In March 1973, Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia, an actress.
Their marriage, initially celebrated, encountered difficulties and ultimately resulted in separation in 1982.

Rajesh Khanna’s story was not one of grand charity events or headline-grabbing donations, but of quiet, persistent kindness that was woven into the very fabric of his life. His generosity was not for show; it flowed like a hidden stream, subtly improving the lives of those around him without seeking public attention. While detailed records of his charitable actions are scarce, countless stories circulate about his quiet acts of support, from helping struggling families with financial assistance to being a silent guardian angel in their times of need.

Rather than founding large organizations or making public donations, Khanna was a personal benefactor who extended a helping hand to those in need. His fame in the film industry granted him a unique position, and he used this power to guide and mentor aspiring actors and technicians. Though these acts of mentorship were not widely publicized, he gave valuable advice and opportunities to those starting out in the industry, significantly impacting the careers of many who were facing the same struggles he once did.

In addition to his contributions to the entertainment world, Khanna’s political career, which began in 1991, opened more avenues for positive change and allowed him to continue supporting others. While the specifics of his philanthropic efforts as a Member of Parliament are not well-documented, his influence and dedication to helping others remain undeniable. His legacy is marked not just by his cinematic achievements but by the quiet, meaningful ways in which he made a difference in the lives of those around him.

Rajesh Khanna also dabbled in politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Congress Party in 1991, representing the New Delhi constituency. He later became active in politics but did not enjoy the same level of success in this field as he did in his acting career.

• Early Career(1966–1968):

Khanna was one of eight finalists from over 10,000 contestants in the 1965 All India Talent Contest organized by United Producers and Filmfare, alongside FTII students Subhash Ghai and Dheeraj Kumar.
Won the contest with Farida Jalal.
Made a film debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat directed by Chetan Anand.
Followed by Raaz (1967), directed by Ravindra Dave, marking his first lead role.
Signed by G.P. Sippy and Nasir Hussain after winning the contest.
Films like Aurat (1967) and Baharon Ke Sapne (1967) were commercially unsuccessful.

• Rise to Superstardom (1969–1974):

1969: Aradhana with Sharmila Tagore turned Khanna into a sensation.
Do Raaste (1969) with Mumtaz was a huge hit, making them a successful pair.
Bandhan (1971) and Ittefaq (1969) were major hits, cementing his status as a superstar.
1970-1971: Khanna had 17 consecutive box-office successes, a record unbroken till today.
Sachaa Jhutha (1970) earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Anand (1971) was his career-defining role, earning his second Filmfare Award and widespread acclaim.
Films like Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Amar Prem (1972), and Chhoti Bahu (1971) further solidified his stardom.
1973: Daag: A Poem of Love and Namak Haraam were both successful, and Khanna won his third BFJA Award for Namak Haraam.
1974: Roti and Aap Ki Kasam were blockbusters, continuing their dominance.

• Decline in Career and Subsequent Lead Roles (1975–1990):

The rise of Amitabh Bachchan and Khanna's declining film choices led to a downturn in his career.
1975-1976: Films like Prem Kahani (1975) were moderate hits but overshadowed by Bachchan's hits like Sholay and Deewaar.
Films like Bawarchi (1972) and Anuraag (1973) became cult classics, despite failing at the box office.
Late 1970s to early 1980s: His films were largely unsuccessful, though Maqsad (1984) and Saawan Kumar Tak’s Souten (1983) were notable hits.
Late 1980s: Khanna's career revived with hits like Woh Phir Aayegi (1988) and Ghar Ka Chiraag (1989).
1990: Swarg was his last major hit, establishing David Dhawan’s career.

• Break from Films, Television Ventures, and Later Career (1991–2012):

1991: Khanna quit acting for a while to focus on politics after a string of commercial failures.
1992-1998: Released only two films, Khudai (1994) and Sautela Bhai (1996), neither of which performed well.
1999: Appeared in Aa Ab Laut Chalen, but the film was a commercial failure.
Early 2000s: Attempted a comeback with films like Pyaar Zindagi Hai (2001) and Wafa: A Deadly Love Story (2008), none of which succeeded.
Khanna's final film appearance was in Riyasat (2014), released posthumously.
Television career flourished with serials like Aapne Parai (1992-93), Ittefaq (2001), and Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi (2008-09).
Endorsed Havells as the brand ambassador in 2012.

Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69, after a prolonged illness. His death was a huge loss to the Indian film industry, as he was one of the most beloved actors of his time. He died at his Mumbai residence, Aashirwad, after being diagnosed with cancer. His funeral was attended by a large number of fans, friends, and industry colleagues.