Bollywood legend Rajesh Khanna, famously known as “Kaka” in the film industry and among fans, once ruled the cinematic world with an unmatched charm. However, like many superstars, he experienced the highs of stardom and the lows of fading fame. On his birth anniversary today, we look back at an extraordinary incident from his life when he stood in line for a public toilet during a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, carrying a tiffin box, and later scored his last major hit.
The Superstar in a Humble Queue
Fans often imagine their favorite stars living lives of luxury and reverence. But life off-screen, as Kaka experienced, could be starkly different. At the peak of his career, every film he starred in turned into a hit, earning him adoration and fame. However, his golden era, marked by 17 consecutive hit films in just three years, eventually came to an end after the rise of Amitabh Bachchan with films like ‘Zanjeer’ and ‘Namak Haraam’. Although Rajesh continued delivering hits like ‘Aap Ki Kasam’ and ‘Roti’, the glory gradually faded by the mid-1970s as Bachchan’s ‘Sholay’ and ‘Deewar’ captured audiences’ imagination.
Challenges of a Changing Era
With the emergence of new stars and changing industry norms, Rajesh Khanna faced declining popularity. Reports suggested that filmmakers like Yash Chopra struggled to manage his superstar tantrums. His personal life also suffered; his marriage to Dimple Kapadia faced strain, compounded by his alcohol habits, which were a growing concern for both his family and collaborators. By the 1980s, Rajesh’s career had hit a rough patch, with no major hits for a long period.
Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage: A Humbling Experience
During the shooting of the famous bhajan ‘Chalo Bulawa Aaya Hai’, Rajesh Khanna undertook the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi on foot, like other crew members. According to Shabana Azmi, speaking to Radio Nasha, the journey offered very basic facilities, with only public toilets available. Kaka stood in line carrying a tiffin box, unable to claim his superstar status, living a simple, human moment far from the glamor of cinema.
A Resurgence in Career
Despite several flop films, Rajesh later agreed to act in Mohankumar’s ‘Avatar’ (1980), which became a hit. In this film, he played an elderly character with white hair and grown-up children. It marked a turning point where he embraced humility and a grounded persona, perhaps for the first time in his illustrious career.
This journey, from towering superstardom to standing in a toilet line, and finding success again, reflects the resilience and human side of the legendary Rajesh Khanna, whose magic continues to be remembered by millions.