Today marks the birth anniversary of the legendary Bollywood actor, Rajesh Khanna, who continues to be remembered fondly as the ‘Original King of Romance’ and the ‘First Superstar’ of Bollywood. Born on December 29, 1942, Rajesh Khanna, with his winsome smile, box-next-door looks, and stellar performances left an indelible mark on his films. On this special
the occasion, we take a nostalgic trip through five of his hits that have become classics of Hindi cinema.
“Safar” (1970):
In this moving drama directed by Asit Sen, Rajesh Khanna is in a major role alongside Sharmila Tagore and Feroz Khan. “Safar” is a melodramatic tale on the themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny. Khanna’s performance showcased his ability to bring depth and emotion to his characters.
“Anand” (1971):
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, “Anand” remains one of Rajesh Khanna’s most iconic films. In this heart-tugging story, he plays the role of Anand, a young terminally ill patient who continues to bring joy and love into the lives of those around him. Rajesh Khanna’s nuanced performance with razor-sharp delivery and his on-screen chemistry with Amitabh Bachchan has made “Anand” a timeless classic.
“Bawarchi” (1972):
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, “Bawarchi” has Rajesh Khanna in a unique feel-good role as the ‘magical cook’ who manages to bring together a dysfunctional family with his culinary skills and wisdom. The film was a light-hearted blend of humour, emotion, and social commentary.
“Amar Prem” (1972):
Directed by Shakti Samanta, “Amar Prem” showcased Rajesh Khanna’s versatility as an actor beautifully. The film remains embedded in film lovers’ souls for its soulful music and unforgettable songs. It has some memorable dialogues by Khanna who plays the role of a lonely man with a deep connection with a tawaif played by Sharmila Tagore. The emotional depth of the film’s plot particularly Khanna’s performance as a sad and forsaken man still resonates with audiences.
“Namak Haraam” (1973):
Once again teaming up with Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Rajesh Khanna delivered a power-packed performance in “Namak Haraam.” The film explores the dynamics of friendship and corporate ethics. Khanna portrays the role of a labour leader. His on-screen camaraderie with Amitabh Bachchan was widely appreciated in this inspiring and emotional film.
As we celebrate the birth anniversary of the original Bollywood superstar, we remember the original star of Bollywood who had women of all ages swooning over him as he delivered one hit after the other. His cinematic legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences and his countless memorable performances in timeless classics ensure that he remains forever in the hearts of generations of film lovers.
Bengali