When it comes to the world of Bollywood, few names evoke as much admiration and intrigue as Rajesh Khanna. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies a personality marked by an undeniable ego. Recently, Raju Shrestha, affectionately known as Master Raju, has recounted some fascinating tales that shine a light on Khanna's larger-than-life persona, particularly in relation to his son-in-law, the celebrated actor Akshay Kumar. This account underscores how Khanna maintained a strict sense of hierarchy, even within his own family.
The Encounter Between Khanna and Kumar
One intriguing incident that Raju shared involved Akshay Kumar's visit to Khanna's home. Rather than greeting his son-in-law in person, Khanna chose to remain upstairs, showcasing a rather peculiar attitude. Raju explained during a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, "I’ve heard about an occasion when Akshay Kumar came to meet him at his house. Rajesh Khanna was upstairs, and when informed about Akshay’s arrival, his response was quite telling: ‘Main uska sasur hoon, woh aayega mere paas, main kyun jaoon’—which translates to, ‘I am his father-in-law; he will come to me, why should I go?’" This exchange reflects not only Khanna's ego but also his expectation that family dynamics should conform to his perceptions of respect and status. It's worth noting that Akshay Kumar married Twinkle Khanna, Rajesh Khanna’s daughter, in 2001.
An Unexpected Recognition
Raju further illustrated Khanna's demeanor through his own experiences while working on a television serial alongside the superstar. Despite their collaborations, Khanna failed to acknowledge Raju for a significant amount of time. He recounted, "Rajesh Khanna worked on a show where I was part of the directing team, which meant I interacted with him often. Yet, even after working together for a year, he didn’t recognize me until one day, he finally called me by my name!" Raju expressed his astonishment at this moment. "I was taken aback that he knew who I was, and later, the director confirmed that Khanna indeed recognized me and often discussed our previous work together when I was a child artist, yet he never demonstrated this acknowledgment towards me directly." This scenario prompts a reflection on stardom's impact on interpersonal relations, as Raju noted, "Khanna seemed to operate under a belief system tied to his celebrity status, often questioning why he should offer kindness or respect to those he deemed beneath him."
Khanna's On-Set Behavior
Raju also shared anecdotes about Khanna's behavior on film sets, revealing the star's demanding nature. For instance, during the filming of "Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein," Raju described the remote location where the crew gathered. While everyone else arrived punctually, Khanna would only make his appearance if the producer personally went to fetch him. "As the lead actor, it was customary for the producer to pick him up from his home while the rest of us would sit idly waiting for him to arrive," Raju noted with a hint of exasperation.
The Predictive Speed of Arrival
Interestingly, Raju mentioned how the crew became adept at gauging Khanna's arrival based on the speed of the producer's car. "We could tell if he was coming by how fast the car was moving. A swift pace indicated that Khanna was on his way, while a slow approach usually meant bad news—that he wouldn't be joining us that day and that we should prepare to wrap up the shoot."
These stories paint a vivid picture of an icon whose legacy is interwoven with personal quirks and an unwavering sense of self-importance. They raise pertinent questions about celebrity culture and the dynamics of respect within professional and personal relationships. What do you think? Do these kinds of behaviors diminish a star’s legacy, or are they simply part of the package in the world of fame? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
