Zeenat Aman, a renowned actress with over five decades in showbiz, recently shared her early experiences of working with the legendary Rajesh Khanna. In an interview with Film Companion, she opened up about the awe and intimidation she felt when acting alongside the superstar.
Overcoming Stage Fright with a Superstar
Recalling her initial days in the industry, Zeenat described Rajesh Khanna as a “phenomenon.” She admitted to feeling intimidated by him and would meticulously memorize her lines to avoid making mistakes. “I was totally intimidated by him but did I show him? Not at all,” Zeenat confessed. “I went to him and I performed. So when I went back to my makeup room, I was like, ‘Wow. I just gave a shot with a superstar.’ I think that’s the right attitude to have.”
Iconic On-Screen Pairing
Zeenat Aman and Rajesh Khanna starred in several hit movies in the 1970s, including “Ajanabee,” “Chhailla Babu,” “Jaanwar,” and “Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka.” Their on-screen chemistry made these films memorable.
Zeenat’s Upcoming Projects
Zeenat Aman is now gearing up for the release of her new movie, “Bun Tikki,” alongside Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol. The film is produced by Manish Malhotra and directed by Faraz Arif Ansari.
Different Views on Rajesh Khanna
Many of Rajesh Khanna’s co-stars had varying perspectives on him. Asha Parekh, who first starred with Khanna in the 1967 movie “Baharon Ke Sapne,” described him as an introvert. She recalled, “He would sit in a corner… I was already a star.” Parekh noted that Khanna seemed to have an inferiority complex early in his career, but he changed once he became a superstar. They later worked together in classics like “Kati Patang” and “Aan Milo Sajna.”
Moushumi Chatterjee, another co-star, had a different take. In an interview with Lehren Retro, she claimed that Khanna once made an inappropriate comment about her personal life. However, despite their clashes, she visited him during his last days, where he praised her in front of her daughter, acknowledging her strong personality.
Remembering Rajesh Khanna
Rajesh Khanna, often referred to as Bollywood’s first superstar, passed away on July 18, 2012, at his Mumbai bungalow, Ashirwad. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, which eventually spread to his liver.
Zeenat Aman’s reflections on her time with Rajesh Khanna highlight the challenges and triumphs of working with such a legendary figure. Her story adds a personal touch to the enduring legacy of Bollywood’s first superstar.
