Rajesh Khanna birth anniversary: Anita Advani says when things went south, the late actor 'came to terms with his failure’ - Exclusive

Some actors leave a lasting impression on the cinematic canvas, and Rajesh Khanna was one of them. He was a great actor, the one who tasted supreme stardom. Unfortunately, as they say, every good thing comes to an end, so did his success. People believe that during his dark phase, Rajesh Khanna turned bitter, but according to Anita Advani, who took care of Kaka for 12 years until his last breath, has a different story to share. On the birth anniversary of Rajesh Khanna, she recalled all the sweet things that the actor was. In our exclusive conversation, she mentioned that Rajesh Khanna had come to peace with his failure. Of course, he had his days, but Rajesh Khanna was never bitter.

Rajesh Khanna had come to terms with his failure

Remincing about the late actor on his birth anniversary, Anita Advani says, “I miss him every day, every moment.” The former actress, who stood by Rajesh Khanna during one of his toughest times, also shares how Kaka detached himself from his failure and success.

Talking on the subject, she says, “I would not say bitter. He also had come to terms with his failure.” Anita then adds, “We had a big picture in the hall of Kakaji, and he would always point at it and say, ‘I have detached myself from him.’”

According to her, the late actor, “never spoke about it, never bragged, in fact, he avoided the whole topic.”

Having said that, she shares that there were fair shares of ups and downs. “He was difficult at times, but he was even very nice at times. I mean to say, he was one person you couldn't leave once you got close to him.”

Rajesh Khanna had nice, lavish lunches every day with his friends

Kaka spent most of his days at home during the difficult phase, but “He wasn't restless,” says Anita. She adds, “he had nice lunches every afternoon with his friends.”

Though several people posed as friends but never stood by his side, there were a few good ones like “Mohan Kumarji, Johnny Bakshi, Jimmy Nirula among others. So they used to drop in regularly, even when he had fallen ill.”

“Every day. Every day, he had a lavish lunch,” she concluded.

Rajesh Khanna was one of the first superstars of his time. Born on December 29, 1942, he made his cinematic debut in 1966 with ‘Aakhri Khat’ and created history with one blockbuster movie after another and stellar performances. He left the mortal world in 2012.


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