Rajesh Khanna’s Silent Rivalry with Sanjeev Kumar: A Friendship That Never Was, Tears That Came Too Late

Rajesh Khanna, Indian cinema’s first true superstar, remains unmatched in terms of stardom, fan frenzy, and cultural impact. Fondly called Kaka, his rise from theatre to superstardom is legendary. Yet, behind the glamour and adulation lay a lesser-known truth—his deep-seated insecurity, especially toward fellow actor Sanjeev Kumar, a man he knew from his theatre days but never truly reconciled with in life.

Born Jatin Khanna on December 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Rajesh Khanna made his film debut in 1966 with Aakhri Khat, a film that was even India’s official entry to the Oscars. Over his illustrious career, he won five Filmfare Awards and was posthumously honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2013. Despite unprecedented success, Khanna was often discussed for his jealousy and emotional insecurity—most famously with Amitabh Bachchan, but far more intensely with Sanjeev Kumar.

Theatre Companions, Unequal Journeys

Both Rajesh Khanna and Sanjeev Kumar were members of the Indian Theatre Association. Sanjeev Kumar was already a respected name in Gujarati theatre, admired for his versatility, while Rajesh Khanna was struggling, playing minor roles and dreaming of films. From the very beginning, Sanjeev Kumar was considered the superior actor, while Khanna was viewed as ambitious and restless to enter cinema.

This imbalance sowed the seeds of tension early on. When Rajesh Khanna won a Best Actor award at a college theatre festival and hosted a celebratory party, Sanjeev Kumar—despite being invited—did not attend. The distance between them only grew after Khanna transitioned to films within two years, while Sanjeev Kumar continued to dominate theatre.

Ego, Love, and Growing Bitterness

Their strained relationship worsened due to actress Anju Mahendru, whom Rajesh Khanna dated for seven years. During the shooting of Mehnga Sauda, Khanna would visit the sets only to meet Anju and would deliberately ignore Sanjeev Kumar, upsetting the entire cast. Reports later suggested that Anju Mahendru and Sanjeev Kumar developed a friendship on set, something Khanna allegedly could not tolerate.

Over time, Rajesh Khanna grew suspicious that their bond was more than friendship. Though Anju denied it repeatedly, Khanna’s mistrust deepened, eventually leading to a painful breakup. In a later interview, Anju Mahendru revealed that she and Rajesh Khanna did not speak for 17 years after their separation.

Working Together, Yet Worlds Apart

Despite industry-wide awareness of their animosity, audiences were surprised when Rajesh Khanna and Sanjeev Kumar appeared together in G.P. Sippy’s 1969 film Bandhan—which also starred Anju Mahendru. As Khanna’s career soared with hit after hit, turning him into a nationwide phenomenon, Sanjeev Kumar carved a different path—earning respect as one of the most versatile actors Indian cinema had ever seen.

Ironically, Khanna later grew uncomfortable with being typecast as a romantic hero, while Sanjeev Kumar effortlessly transitioned into complex, varied roles—something that further fueled Khanna’s insecurity.

‘Anand’ and the Breaking Point

According to comedian Mehmood’s biography Mehmood: A Man of Many Moods, filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee initially wanted to cast Sanjeev Kumar in Anand. However, when Rajesh Khanna learned the project was being revived, he personally approached the makers and secured the role. Producer N.C. Sippy signed him immediately.

It is said that Mukherjee later wished to cast Sanjeev Kumar in Amitabh Bachchan’s role as well, but could not—largely due to Khanna’s influence. Actress Anju Mahendru later confirmed that Rajesh Khanna always felt deeply insecure around Sanjeev Kumar, a fact widely acknowledged in the industry.

Falling Out with Salim Khan

Khanna’s insecurity went so far that he reportedly fell out with Salim Khan after the writer publicly praised Sanjeev Kumar in an interview. One incident became legendary—Khanna confronted Salim Khan at the gate of his bungalow Aashirwad, magazine in hand, and refused to let him enter the house. It marked the first serious crack in the once-close Khanna–Salim-Javed relationship.

A Film Signed for a Slap

Director Om Prakash was among the few who dared to cast both actors together despite their rivalry. It is widely believed that Rajesh Khanna instantly agreed to do Aap Ki Kasam because the script included a scene where his character slaps Sanjeev Kumar. Though Om Prakash later dismissed such claims, the shoot was reportedly tense, especially during the slap scene filmed at Mehboob Studios.

Tears at the End

Despite knowing each other since theatre days, Rajesh Khanna never visited Sanjeev Kumar’s home during his lifetime, nor did Sanjeev Kumar ever visit Khanna’s. They remained distant—professionally connected but emotionally estranged.

However, when Sanjeev Kumar passed away in 1985 at the age of just 47, Rajesh Khanna broke his silence. He arrived at his colleague’s home for the final farewell. Eyewitnesses recall that Khanna stood quietly, his eyes moist, saying nothing—just staring at Sanjeev Kumar’s lifeless form.

It was perhaps the only moment when the world saw Rajesh Khanna’s defenses fall—too late to heal a rivalry born of admiration, insecurity, and unspoken regret.