Asha Parekh recalls Rajesh Khanna's early days, reveals light hearted advice during 'Kati Patang': 'Was shy and introvert'

Veteran actress Asha Parekh recently shared nostalgic memories from her journey in cinema during an episode of Indian Idol. The actress looked back at her experiences with the late superstar Rajesh Khanna and recalled how their friendship developed over the years.


The conversation began after contestant Myscee Basu performed the classic song "Aaja Piya Tohe Pyaar Doon." The performance brought back memories of the song's filming and led Asha Parekh to revisit moments from the early phase of Rajesh Khanna's career.

Asha Parekh remembers Rajesh Khanna's early days

Speaking about Rajesh Khanna's personality during his initial years in the film industry, Asha Parekh said he was quite different from the image people later associated with him. She recalled that the actor was still finding his place in the industry and was naturally quiet during that period. Sharing her memories, Asha Parekh said, "Ye gana jab picturised hua tha tho Rajesh Khana ji ka phela din tha uss picture ke liye vo second picture the tho naam nahi tha unka tho kafi zezhak vizhak the unme basically he was an introvert." ("When this song was being filmed, it was Rajesh Khanna ji's first day on that movie. It was only his second film, so he wasn't well-known at that time. He was quite shy and hesitant. Basically, he was an introvert.")




The actress suggested that Rajesh Khanna's reserved personality stood out during those early interactions. Asha Parekh further explained that things gradually changed after they worked together in more films. As they continued sharing screen space, their conversations increased and they became more comfortable around each other. Speaking about the transition in their relationship, she said, "Uske baad jab maine do thee picture aur ke Rajesh Khana ke sath kafi kuch milna julna ho gaya, bate shuru ho gaye." ("After that, when I worked with Rajesh Khanna on two or three more films, we began meeting more often and gradually started talking to each other.")

Busy film schedules brought new challenges for Asha Parekh

The actress also remembered a period when both stars were balancing multiple projects at the same time. According to her, their schedules often involved shifting from one set to another without much rest in between.

Recalling those hectic days, she said:

"Dost ke ise baat hote jaise ham shoot kar rahe the 'Kaate Patang' ke 7 to 2 and 2 to 10 Aj 'Milo Sajna." She further added: "Ab yaha se vaha bhago, yaha se vaha bhago tho thak bhi jate the q ke continuously ye kar rahe the." The actress recalled how such demanding routines would leave them exhausted.

A light-hearted memory from the sets

Asha Parekh also shared an amusing moment involving Rajesh Khanna during those busy shooting days. She remembered him advising her not to rush unnecessarily to the sets.


"Tho ek din aa ke kaha Asha ji ap kyu jaldi ate hain, bole ke ap aram se aye mai 4 baje se phele nahi aunga." She also shared her reaction to his advice. "Acha hua apne bata di, mai ek ghanta aram kar ke set pe poch jaungi."

Friendship Beyond Work

Speaking about their personal bond, Asha Parekh explained how they gradually began sharing personal experiences with each other. She remembered their friendship as one built on comfort and open conversations.


"Acha lagta tha, vo kabhi apna dhun sukh voh share karte the. Mai apne dhuk sukh ke baat unse karte the. Is tarha dosti hamare rahe." ("It felt nice. Sometimes he would share his joys and sorrows with me, and I would share mine with him. That is how our friendship continued and grew.")



"Aaja Piya Tohe Pyaar Doon" remains one of the most memorable songs from Baharon Ke Sapne. The song was sung by Lata Mangeshkar, composed by R. D. Burman, and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri.