On July 19, 2012, Amitabh Bachchan shared a heartfelt blog post reflecting on the recent death of Rajesh Khanna.
He mentioned that a close friend of Khanna had shared the actor's final words, filled with emotion. Khanna had quietly said it was time to pack up, moments before he passed away on July 18, 2012.
Amitabh reminisced about his first encounter with Rajesh Khanna, who had just won the Filmfare-Madhuri Talent Contest.
Amitabh himself had applied for the same contest the following year but did not get selected.
He next saw Khanna at the Rivoli Theatre in New Delhi, where he watched the film "Aradhana."
Amitabh recalled how the audience was mesmerized by Khanna’s screen presence.
After leaving a stable job in Calcutta to pursue acting, Amitabh realized that competing with talents like Rajesh Khanna would be challenging.
In 1971, they both starred in the movie "Anand," which Amitabh described as a miraculous opportunity.
Being associated with Khanna significantly boosted Amitabh's status in the industry.
Amitabh described Rajesh Khanna as a humble and quiet person who was always surrounded by admirers on set.
The frenzy he caused among fans was remarkable, with people even traveling from Spain to see him in the 1970s.
Amitabh admired Khanna's charm and regal nature, which naturally drew people to him.
In June 2012, Rajesh Khanna’s declining health made headlines. He was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on June 23 due to health issues, discharged on July 8, and readmitted on July 14, before being discharged again on July 16.
Unfortunately, he passed away two days later at his home, Aashirwad, in Mumbai.
After his death, his co-star Mumtaz revealed that he had been battling cancer since July 2011.
Rajesh Khanna's funeral saw an overwhelming turnout of about 900,000 people in Mumbai, necessitating police intervention to manage the crowd.
In a pre-recorded message, Khanna thanked his family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support, noting that he had achieved success without any industry connections.
Rajesh Khanna was married to Dimple Kapadia, and they had two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna.
Lessons to Learn:
Pursue Your Passion:
Amitabh Bachchan left a stable job to follow his dreams, showing that sometimes taking risks is necessary to achieve one's goals.
Perseverance Pays Off:
Despite facing rejection early in his career, Amitabh persisted and eventually found success.
Impact of Humility:
Rajesh Khanna's humble and quiet nature, despite his immense fame, is a reminder of the importance of staying grounded.
Admire and Learn from Peers:
Amitabh’s admiration for Khanna's talent and charm highlights the importance of learning from those around us.
Health is Paramount:
Rajesh Khanna’s declining health serves as a reminder to prioritize our well-being and seek timely medical attention.
Embrace Opportunities:
Amitabh Bachchan's opportunity to work with Rajesh Khanna in "Anand" was pivotal. Embracing such opportunities can open doors to new possibilities and growth.
Networking and Relationships:
Amitabh’s association with Rajesh Khanna boosted his reputation, highlighting the importance of building strong professional relationships and networks.
Adaptability:
Amitabh's transition from a secure job to an uncertain film career shows the importance of adaptability and being open to change.
Patience and Long-term Vision:
Success didn’t come overnight for Amitabh. His journey underscores the need for patience and maintaining a long-term vision for one's career.
Support Systems:
Rajesh Khanna’s widespread support from fans and friends illustrates the value of having a strong support system in personal and professional life.
Learning from Setbacks:
Amitabh’s initial rejection in the talent contest didn’t deter him. Learning from setbacks and using them as motivation can lead to greater achievements.
Cultural Influence:
Rajesh Khanna’s impact on his fans, including those from other countries, shows the power of cultural influence and the global reach of one’s work.
Balancing Fame and Privacy:
Despite immense popularity, Rajesh Khanna maintained a humble and quiet demeanor, indicating the need to balance public life and personal privacy.
Legacy of Kindness:
The admiration Rajesh Khanna received was not just for his talent but also for his personality. A legacy built on kindness and respect can be more impactful than fame alone.
Facing Adversity with Dignity:
Rajesh Khanna’s battle with cancer and how he handled his declining health with dignity teaches us about facing adversity with courage.
Impact Beyond Life:
The overwhelming turnout at Rajesh Khanna’s funeral demonstrates how one’s actions and character can leave a lasting impact that goes beyond their lifetime.
Expression of Gratitude:
Rajesh Khanna’s pre-recorded message to his supporters highlights the importance of expressing gratitude to those who contribute to our success.
Value of Simplicity:
Despite his superstar status, Rajesh Khanna’s simplicity was a key part of his charm. Valuing and maintaining simplicity can endear us to others and keep us grounded.
Importance of Mentorship:
Amitabh’s experiences show that having mentors or figures to look up to, like Rajesh Khanna, can inspire and guide us in our careers.
Cherish Moments:
The final words of Rajesh Khanna remind us to cherish every moment and recognize when it’s time to conclude a chapter in our lives.
Public Responsibility:
As public figures, both Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan understood their responsibility towards their fans, emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior and positive influence.
Personal Resilience:
Amitabh’s ability to persevere in the competitive film industry highlights the importance of resilience and self-belief in achieving success.
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