His multi star films included Rajput, Dharam Aur Qanoon, Paapi Pet Ka Sawaal hai, Zamana, Dil-E- Nadaan and Ghar Ka Chirag.
He made three movies with his childhood classmate, Jeetendra, which include Dharm Kanta, Nishan and Maqsad in the 80s. He was also popular with actresses like Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon in the 1980s. The eighties saw Rajesh primarily act alongside Tina Munim with hits like Fifty Fifty, Suraag - the Clue, Souten, Akhir Kyun, Bewafai and Adhikar. He could act all his roles with complete élan. His various roles included characters like a corrupt politician in Aaj Ka MLA Ram Avtar, a Postman in Palkon Ki Chaon Mein, a lawyer in Kudrat, a rickshaw puller in Babu, a psychopath in Redrose, a fisherman in Prem Bandhan and a musician in Asha Jyoti. Between 19 his many films included Mehbooba, Bundal Baaz, Tyaag, Naukri, Din Mein, and Janta Hawaldar while his hit films were Maha Chor, Chhailla Babu, Anurodh and Bhola Bhala.Īfter 1978, Rajesh’s critically acclaimed films included Amar Deep, Phir Wohi Raat, Bandish, Dard, Kudrat, Ashanti, Avtaar, Souten, Awaaz, Aaj ka MLA Ram Avtar, Shatru, Insaaf Main Karoonga, Anokha Rishta, Angaarey, Adhikar and Amrit Awam. His next successful film was Bombay to Goa in 1972. Some girls were even married to his photograph. Having gained superstar status his fans would follow him everywhere. In 1970, Rajesh bought Rajendra Kumar’s Bungalow on Carter Road for Rs 31 lakhs and renamed it Aashirwad. Rajesh’s idols in those days were Guru Dutt, Meena Kumari and Geeta Bali, while he drew inspiration from Dilip Kumar’s dedication, Raj Kapoor’s spontaneity, Dev Anand’s style and Shammi Kapoor’s rhythm. Some of his popular films were Kati Patang, Amar Prem, Shehzada, Apna Desh, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Aap Ki Kasam, Ajnabee, Namak Haraam, Kudrat, Agar Tum Na Hote, Hum Dono which had songs by Kishore Kumar and compositions by RD Burman. SD Burman, RD Burman and Laxmikant Pyarelal composed most of his films musical scores in those days. His next commercial success was Haathi Mere Saathi in 1971, and this film is where he was credited with giving Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar to write the screenplay. It was his 1969 film Aradhana which brought Rajesh Instant national fame and he went on to become the first superstar of India. United producers soon got Rajesh projects like Aurat, Doli and Ittefaq. The film Akhri Khat was India’s entry for Best Foreign language film at the Oscar Academy Awards in 1967. Winning the prize was his chosen pathway to enter the movies. He soon went on to win the contest and made it to his debut film Akhri Khat in 1966 and then a film called Raaz.
In 1965, Rajesh became one of the eight finalists for the All India Talent Contest organized by United Producers and Filmfare from among 10,000 contestants. Later, his uncle KK Talwar changed his first name to Rajesh as soon as he entered the film world. After finishing his BA from Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune he went on to study at KC College Mumbai with his friend Jeetendra whom he tutored for his first audition. In the early 60’s Rajesh would hop from theatres and films in his MG sports car. In 1962, he impressed the Chief Guest by his portrayal of a wounded soldier in a play called Andha Yug, who later asked Rajesh to join in the film world. Rajesh won a lot of drama competitions and took part in plays in his school days. In his early days, Rajesh attended St Sebastian’s Goan High School in Mumbai along with his friend Ravi Kapoor, who later took the stage name of Jeetendra. Rajesh was adopted and looked after by his foster parents Chunni Lal Khanna and Leela Wati Khanna who were relatives to his actual parents. Lala was a headmaster of MC High School in Burewala (in present day Pakistan). His biological parents were Lala Hiranand and Chandrani Khanna who migrated to Amritsar after the partition of India. Rajesh Khanna was born as Jatin Chunnilal Khanna.