The Enigmatic Life of Rajesh Khanna: A Star’s Secret Marriage


The First Superstar of Hindi Cinema

Rajesh Khanna is often revered as the first superstar of Hindi cinema, experiencing an unparalleled level of stardom. His charisma captivated millions, leading to stories of his immense female fan following, where his car was frequently adorned with lipstick marks as a testament to his popularity. Women even donned white sarees at the time of his marriage to Dimple Kapadia.

The Secret Marriage with Anju Mahendru

Before Khanna’s union with Dimple, a leading magazine unveiled the story of his secret marriage to Anju Mahendru. Their relationship was significant, with reports suggesting they lived together during their time as a couple. This revelation added another layer to his already storied life.

Shobhaa De’s Insight: Breaking the Story

In a recent interview, veteran journalist and author Shobhaa De shared her experience of breaking the story for Stardust while serving as its editor. During a conversation with Vickey Lalwani, she revealed, "The very first issue which was scoop was about Rajesh Khanna if he was secretly married. That came from Mr. Nari Hira because he knew Anju Mahendru’s mother very well. They were friends. This tipped us off, and we thought it would make a captivating cover story."

A Unique Fandom

Shobhaa De reflected on the unparalleled fandom that Rajesh Khanna generated, stating, "I have never seen that kind of fandom for anyone before and ever since. Not even all the Khans put together can match the kind of passion and hysteria that Rajesh Khanna in his prime generated."

The Truth Behind the Buzz

When questioned about the authenticity of the story, De was candid, stating, "It was true. I would imagine it was 100 percent true, as they couldn’t counter it enough. It kind of was a trigger for him to marry Dimple after the story broke."

Marriage to Dimple Kapadia

Rajesh Khanna married the much younger Dimple Kapadia in 1973, and the couple went on to have two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna. This marriage marked a new chapter in Khanna’s life, solidifying his iconic status in Bollywood.

Conclusion

Rajesh Khanna’s legacy as a superstar remains unmatched, intertwined with tales of love, secrecy, and sensational media coverage. His story continues to captivate fans and followers, reminding us of a time when Bollywood was truly magical.