Rajesh Khanna, the original superstar of Bollywood, once stood at the pinnacle of the Indian film industry. However, as the 70s gave way to the 80s, his star began to fade, overtaken by the rising popularity of Amitabh Bachchan and the action-oriented films that dominated the era. Despite the decline in his career, Khanna remained selective about his projects, even during difficult times.
In a memorable incident shared by journalist Ali Peter John in a 2012 Rediff article, Khanna was offered a lucrative deal to host the popular reality show Bigg Boss. At the time, his career was on the decline, and such an offer could have been a significant boost. However, Khanna reportedly dismissed the idea, stating, “Rajesh Khanna won’t work in such shows.” Despite being offered a staggering Rs 3.5 crore per episode, the actor initially refused. By the time he reconsidered, the opportunity had passed, as the show’s producers had moved on.
Khanna’s refusal to host Bigg Boss was consistent with his image as a film star who had once ruled Bollywood with his charm and talent. However, his unwillingness to adapt to the changing landscape of the entertainment industry only furthered the narrative of his decline. Stories of his arrogance and difficult behavior on set became more common, contributing to the challenges he faced in his later years.
His ex-wife, Dimple Kapadia, who witnessed his career’s ups and downs, has spoken candidly about the difficulties Khanna faced during this period. After their separation, Dimple returned to acting and found success in the 1980s, while Khanna struggled with the decline of his once-glorious career.
Khanna himself admitted to turning to alcohol as his career waned, revealing that the pressure of failure was hard to bear. In a moment of reflection, he was quoted as saying, “I am not a superhuman being. You are not Jesus Christ, and I am not Mahatma Gandhi.” These words highlighted the vulnerability of a man who had once been the biggest star in Indian cinema, grappling with the harsh realities of fading fame.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of stardom and the challenges that come with maintaining a career in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.