‘Dhurandhar’ Actor Akshaye Khanna’s Mother Geetanjali: Life, Divorce from Vinod Khanna, and Tragic Death Seven Years Ago

Mumbai: With the release of Aditya Dhar’s film ‘Dhurandhar’, actor Akshaye Khanna has reached a career milestone that every performer aspires to. Alongside his professional success, his personal life has once again become a subject of public interest, particularly his late mother, Geetanjali Taleyarkhan, and her life with Bollywood legend Vinod Khanna.

Early Life and Marriage:
Geetanjali Taleyarkhan, a stunning model from a prominent Parsi family, married Vinod Khanna in 1971. She was the first woman in her family to step into the world of glamour. Born to AFS Taleyarkhan, considered one of India’s early commentators in the 1950s, Geetanjali grew up in a family of lawyers and businessmen. The couple had two sons: Rahul Khanna (1972) and Akshaye Khanna (1975).

Vinod Khanna’s Rise and Spiritual Pursuit:
Vinod Khanna’s first encounter with Geetanjali was during their college days, and they soon began dating. At that time, Vinod had not yet established himself in Bollywood. His career breakthrough came when Sunil Dutt offered him the lead role in Man Ka Meet. As Vinod’s stardom grew, he remained committed to family, famously keeping Sundays free from work to spend time with them.

However, in 1982, at the peak of his career, Vinod Khanna chose a spiritual path and joined Osho’s ashram in the USA, leaving his family behind. This decision forced Geetanjali to raise their sons alone. She tried for three years to convince Vinod to return but eventually filed for divorce, which was finalized in 1985. Vinod returned to India in 1987, but by then, their marriage had irreparably ended.

Life as a Single Parent:
Geetanjali single-handedly raised Rahul and Akshaye, facing the challenges of explaining their father’s absence. In interviews, Akshaye has reflected on the profound impact of Vinod Khanna’s departure and spiritual journey, saying that at five years old, it was impossible to understand, but he now appreciates the life-altering decision his father made.

Later Years and Death:
Geetanjali lived a life away from the film industry’s glitz and glamour. She passed away in 2018, a year after Vinod Khanna’s death on 27 April 2017.

Vinod Khanna’s Second Marriage:
After returning to India, Vinod Khanna resumed his film career and eventually married Kavita Daftary in 1990, with whom he had two more children—a son and a daughter.

Legacy:
Geetanjali Taleyarkhan remains remembered for her grace, resilience, and role in shaping the early life of one of Bollywood’s most talented actors, Akshaye Khanna, who continues to lead a simple, grounded life despite his stardom.