Rajesh Khanna Biography: Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth, Height, Ethnicity, Films, Wife, Children, Obituary

Jatin Khanna, professionally known as Rajesh Khanna, was a legendary Indian actor, producer, and politician.

Widely regarded as the first superstar of Hindi cinema, he appeared in 163 feature films and 17 short films between 1966 and 2012.

His breakthrough came with Aradhana (1969), followed by 15 consecutive solo hits.

He received numerous accolades, including three Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, four BFJA Awards, and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. In 2013, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan.

Profile

• Full Name: Jatin Khanna
• Stage Name: Rajesh Khanna
• Born: 29 December 1942
• Died: 18 July 2012
• Age: 69 years and
• Birthplace: Amritsar, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Indian actor, producer, and politician
• Height: 1.69 m
• Adopted Parent: Chunnilal and Leelawati Khanna
• Biological Parents: Lala Hiranand and Chandrani Khanna
• Siblings: Kamla
• Spouse: Dimple Kapadia (m. 1973–1982)
• Children: Twinkle Khanna, Rinke Khanna
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $65 million

Early Life And Education

Jatin Khanna, later known as Rajesh Khanna, was born on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, British India. He was adopted and raised by Chunnilal and Leelawati Khanna, relatives of his biological parents, Lala Hiranand and Chandrani Khanna.

While his biological father was a headmaster in Burewala (now in Pakistan), his adoptive parents were railway contractors who settled in Mumbai in 1935.

Khanna had one sister, Kamla, and grew up in Mumbai, where he attended St. Sebastian’s Goan High School and developed a passion for theatre. He later studied at Nowrosjee Wadia College in Pune and Kishinchand Chellaram College in Mumbai. He is of Punjabi heritage and has followed Hinduism throughout his life.

Career

Rajesh Khanna began his cinematic journey after winning the United Producers All India Talent Contest in 1965, outshining over 10,000 participants.

He debuted with Aakhri Khat (1966), India’s official entry to the Oscars. Though he gained attention through early films like Raaz, Baharon Ke Sapne, and Aurat, Aradhana (1969) launched him to superstardom.

Between 1969 and 1971, he delivered a historic streak of 15 consecutive solo hits, including classics like Anand, Haathi Mere Saathi, and Kati Patang. Khanna became a cultural icon known for his expressive performances and signature style.

His collaborations with playback singer Kishore Kumar and composer R.D. Burman resulted in some of the most memorable songs in Hindi cinema. He portrayed many characters, from romantic leads to emotionally intense roles in films like Amar Prem, Safar, and Ittefaq.

His on-screen pairings with leading actresses such as Sharmila Tagore and Mumtaz were immensely popular. While his dominance in the early ’70s was unmatched, his stardom gradually declined with the rise of Amitabh Bachchan.

Beyond films, Khanna ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the Indian National Congress from 1992 to 1996. Although his political career was modest, he remained active in the entertainment industry with films like Avtaar and Swarg and TV appearances such as Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi.

Over his four-decade career, he acted in 163 feature films and 17 short films, winning numerous accolades, including three Filmfare Best Actor Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. In 2013, he was posthumously honored with the Padma Bhushan for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema.

Social Media

Rajesh Khanna does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Rajesh Khanna married actress Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, when he was 31 and she was 16. They had two daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna, both of whom entered the film industry, with Twinkle later becoming a successful author and interior designer.

Despite their high-profile romance, the couple faced difficulties in marriage, largely due to personality differences and the pressures of stardom. The couple separated in 1982 but never divorced and remained legally married.

Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, at 69, at his Bandra residence in Mumbai, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.

Filmography

• Aakhri Khat (1966)
• Raaz (1967)
• Aurat (1967)
• Baharon Ke Sapne (1967)
• Aradhana (1969)
• Kati Patang (1970)
• Anand (1971)
• Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)
• Amar Prem (1972)
• Daag (1973)
• Aap Ki Kasam (1974)
• Chhailla Babu (1977)
• Amar Deep (1979)
• Dhanwan (1981)
• Avtaar (1983)
• Agar Tum Na Hote (1983)
• Souten (1983)
• Ghar Ka Chiraag (1989)
• Begunaah (1991)
• Kyaa Dil Ne Kahaa (2002)
• Jaana – Let’s Fall in Love (2006)

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 2012, Rajesh Khanna had an estimated net worth of $65 million. His wealth stemmed from a prolific career spanning 180 films, film production, and lucrative brand endorsements. As Bollywood’s first superstar, he commanded record-breaking fees, notably for films like Bundelbaaz.