On the occasion of Bollywood’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna’s birth anniversary in 2023, his daughter Twinkle Khanna shared heartfelt memories of her father, underscoring the enduring bond between the celebrated actor and his beloved daughter.
Rajesh Khanna, referred to by many as the original superstar of Hindi cinema, left an indelible mark on the industry with his charismatic screen presence and remarkable talent. Although he passed away on July 18, 2012, his legacy continues to live on, not only through his films but also in the fond recollections shared by his family, particularly his daughter Twinkle.
Twinkle Khanna, herself a former actress and now a noted author and entrepreneur, has always cherished the connection with her father, frequently taking to social media to share throwback pictures and anecdotes that paint a picture of a man as loved at home as he was on screen.
In one such instance on the eve of Father’s Day 2020, Twinkle reminisced about her childhood experiences with her father, posting a black and white photo with her dad that tugged at the heartstrings of her followers. The caption eloquently expressed her sentiment, stating, “Father’s Day may be this Sunday but for me, it will always be in December,” alluding to her father’s birthday month.
The next year, to commemorate Rajesh Khanna’s birthday, Twinkle posted a poignant monochrome image showcasing a tender moment shared between father and daughter. Her caption reflected a shared birthday and a precious familial relationship: “He always said I was the best present he could have ever received, as I tumbled feet first into the world on his birthday. A little star looking up at the biggest one in the galaxy. It’s our day together, now and forever.”
Fast forward to 2022, marking the 10th death anniversary of the cinematic icon, Twinkle honored her father’s memory with a simple yet powerful message: “10 years. He is still here. In all our hearts.”
Twinkle Khanna’s journey began in 1995 with her film debut in ‘Barsaat,’ opposite Bobby Deol. While her acting career was relatively brief, with her last film ‘Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega’ (2001) being a remake of the Telugu hit ‘Money’ (1993), Twinkle made the conscious decision to leave the industry after marrying actor Akshay Kumar. She candidly admitted to not enjoying acting anymore, leading her to seek new creative avenues.
True to her pioneering spirit, Twinkle launched Tweak in 2019, a bilingual digital media platform aimed at empowering women through engaging and insightful content. Away from the limelight of the film industry, she has found her niche as a writer and commentator, drawing from life experiences including the rich legacy of her father.
Rajesh Khanna’s stellar career is punctuated with accolades, holding the record for 15 consecutive solo hit films from 1969 to 1971. His stardom was unparalleled in the golden years of Bollywood, making him the highest-paid actor of the ’70s and ’80s. His performances continue to inspire generations of actors and film enthusiasts alike.
Twinkle Khanna’s tributes to her father serve as a reminder of Rajesh Khanna’s magnetic aura and his contribution to Indian cinema. For fans and loved ones alike, his birthday remains a moment to celebrate the life of a man who brought so much joy through his art. It is in these shared memories and legacies that the essence of stars like Rajesh Khanna truly become immortal, continuing to shine brightly in the firmament of Bollywood history.
