His rise to superstardom was matched only by the personal turmoil that played out behind the scenes. For over six years, he shared a live-in relationship with a leading actress from a non-film background, a partnership that many believed was headed toward marriage.
But instead of a formal union, he shocked his circle by abruptly marrying a much younger co-star.
Who was this superstar?
That superstar was Late Rajesh Khanna, who once shared a deeply emotional bond for years with actress Anju Mahendru, yet when he married Dimple Kapadia in 1973, who was in her teens at that time, their relationship came to an abrupt end. According to reports, the procession for his wedding passed in front of Anju’s house an act seen by many as a deliberate message.
Who gave Anju Mahendru the most important advice?
Meanwhile, legendary actor Late Sanjeev Kumar had forewarned Anju that Khanna’s jealous, insecure nature made him ill-suited for a conventional relationship. He also described Rajesh Khanna as “shakki” (suspicious) and warning “You won’t have a happy life with him.” Their story, full of glamour, love, rivalry, and regret, remains one of the most poignant in Bollywood history.
More about Rajesh Khanna and Anju Mahendru
Rajesh Khanna and Anju Mahendru were both well-established in their careers during the late 1960s and early 1970s. While Rajesh soared as India’s first superstar with hits like Aradhana, Anand, and Amar Prem, Anju carved her space with films like Jewel Thief, Bandhan, and Intaqam. While Rajesh Khanna and Anju Mahendru didn’t frequently share screen space, they did appear together in films like Bandhan (1969) and Vijay (1988). Bandhan was one of Rajesh Khanna’s early successes, while Vijay, directed by Late Yash Chopra, featured them in a much later phase of their careers. Though their on-screen collaborations were limited, their off-screen relationship remained far more talked-about than their film pairings.
Story Highlights
- Rajesh Khanna lived with Anju Mahendru for over six years before marrying the much younger Dimple Kapadia in 1973.
- The wedding procession reportedly passed by Anju’s house-regarded by many as symbolic of the end of their relationship.
- Sanjeev Kumar warned Anju that Khanna’s possessive, insecure nature would never allow for a happy, settled life together.
- Anju later revealed that Khanna’s orthodox mindset and her modern outlook created friction and ultimately contributed to their breakup.
In the end, the glamour of Rajesh Khanna’s film career hid the emotional struggles he faced in real life. His charm on screen didn’t show how complicated things were behind the scenes.