On the somber occasion marking the death anniversary of Rajesh Khanna, the Hindi film industry reminisces about the magnanimity and artistic passion of the original superstar. Rajesh Khanna, whose charisma knew no bounds, once starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘Anand’ for a fee that was nothing short of nominal. The revelation about this act of generosity was made by none other than the renowned writer-lyricist Gulzar, who penned the screenplay and dialogues for this 1971 cinematic gem.
During a master-class session organized by the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), facilitated by filmmaker Sudhir Mishra in 2016, Gulzar shared intimate details of Khanna’s involvement with ‘Anand’. The session, which was a part of IFTDA’s ‘Meet The Director’ monthly initiative, offered a unique platform for up-and-coming filmmakers to gain insights from veterans of the industry. Gulzar disclosed that Khanna’s reason for accepting such a modest remuneration was his fondness for the film’s storyline. In a true display of his character, Rajesh Khanna celebrated the success of the movie by throwing a grand party, highlighting his affinity towards the film more than monetary gain.
Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, ‘Anand’ also featured Amitabh Bachchan in a pivotal role, marking one of the most endearing cinematic alliances in Indian cinema. The film showcases the poignant tale of a terminally ill man who wishes to live life to its fullest until the very end. Gulzar, during the engaging session, also shed light on Mukherjee’s splendid sense of humor, which was evident in his other directorial ventures such as ‘Khoobsurat’ and ‘Chupke Chupke’.
Gulzar’s anecdotes extended to his personal journey in films, the evolving landscape of the cinema industry, and his invaluable friendships with other legendary artists like RD Burman and Sanjeev Kumar. He called Sanjeev Kumar (Hari Bhai) and Burman (Pancham) the ‘anchors in his life’, cherishing relationships where disagreements never soured the bond. Such close associations and collaborations paved the way for timeless music and storytelling in the industry.
The discussion also steered towards the influence of Western films on Indian filmmakers. Gulzar asserted the richness of India’s history and the plethora of narratives within the country’s cultural tapestry, implying that there was no need to seek inspiration from afar. Acknowledging the advanced technical caliber of the West, he urged local filmmakers to tap into the indigenous treasure trove of stories.
The veteran was honored at the session by his long-time colleague, the iconic actor Jeetendra, who felicitated him on behalf of the IFTDA. Reflecting on Rajesh Khanna’s illustrious career, which boasted an unprecedented streak of 15 consecutive solo hit films between 1969 and 1971, the magnitude of his stardom becomes apparent. From ‘Aradhana’ to ‘Prem Kahani’, Khanna’s aura was unparalleled. Amitabh Bachchan himself acknowledged the impact of Rajesh Khanna’s stardom on his career, stating his rise to fame was significantly due to co-starring with him in ‘Anand’.
This narrative not only cements Rajesh Khanna’s status as an artist who put creative satisfaction above monetary compensation but also celebrates his contribution to Indian cinema’s golden era. His unparalleled charm and commitment to the craft of acting continue to inspire generations, proving that legends indeed never die; they only get immortalized through such heartwarming tales of passion and humility.
