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Rajesh Khanna
Biography
Rajesh Khanna (born Jatin Khanna; 29 December 1942 – 18 July 2012) was an Indian actor, film producer, and politician who is widely regarded as the 'First Superstar' of Indian cinema. He achieved unprecedented popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s, earning a record of 15 consecutive solo hit films between 1969 and 1971. Over his career, he starred in over 160 feature films and received numerous accolades, including the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award and the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor.
Career Milestones
Padma Bhushan Award
Posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honor, for his contributions to the arts.
Political Career as Member of Parliament
Elected to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India's Parliament) from the New Delhi constituency as a candidate of the Indian National Congress.
Unprecedented Run of 15 Consecutive Solo Hits
Completed an unbroken record of 15 consecutive solo hit movies from 1969 to 1971, solidifying his status as India's first superstar.
Stardom Breakthrough with Aradhana
Starred in 'Aradhana' alongside Sharmila Tagore, a massive box office hit that triggered his legendary rise to superstardom.
Acting Debut
Made his screen debut with Chetan Anand's 'Aakhri Khat', which was also India's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 40th Academy Awards.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- He was selected as the winner of the All India Talent Contest in 1965 out of more than 10,000 contestants, which earned him his first film contract.
- At the peak of his stardom, female fans wrote him letters in blood, married his photographs, and kissed his white car, leaving lipstick marks all over it.
- His birth name was Jatin Khanna. He adopted the screen name 'Rajesh Khanna' upon entering the film industry on the advice of his uncle.