Rajesh Khanna, also known as ‘Kaka,’ was one of the most popular stars in the Hindi film industry. His charm, impressive acting, and unique style helped him dominate the screen. He established a successful career spanning over four decades. Apart from his professional success, his personal life and romantic relationships with leading actresses often made headlines. The stories from his liaisons continue to remain in the news despite his death back on July 18, 2012. However, his relationship with his former girlfriend, Anju Mahendru, and his union with his wife, Dimple Kapadia, is the most interesting.
Rajesh Khanna allegedly dated actress and model, Anju Mahendru for seven years from 1966 to 1972. Anju was struggling to establish herself, and during those years, Rajesh Khanna secured his position as one of the biggest stars in the country, giving back-to-back hits. They shared a deep bond with a committed, live-in relationship. Rajesh Khanna wanted to marry her and asked her to leave her career. However, she refused, and their relationship ended.
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After a break-up with Anju Mahendru, Rajesh Khanna met Dimple Kapadia before the release of her debut film when they were going for a show in Ahmedabad. After a few meetings, the couple got married in 1973. In an interview with Stardust, he was asked about his views on their age gap because Dimple was just 16 years old, and he was 31 when they married. In his reply, the 70s star revealed an essential motive behind their union. He accepted that he sought solace in his marriage with Dimple Kapadia to distance himself from Anju Mahendru. He required help because, despite ending his relationship with Anju, he found himself fixated on a reconciliation cycle, and Dimple helped him break free from it. Likewise, he later dated Tina Munim to get over his relationship with Dimple. He said:
"I married Dimple on the rebound and Tina was a balm on my wounds."
However, Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia's marriage did not last long. Rajesh stated that the media pressure and public expectations ended up hurting their marriage. On the other hand, Dimple felt that Rajesh Khanna's declining career was responsible for their separation. She stated:
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"It was my first encounter in life with failure. When a successful man goes to pieces, his frustration engulfs the entire surroundings. It was a pathetic sight when Rajesh waited at the end of the week for collection figures but the people didn't have the guts to come and tell him. Both Rajesh and I were unable to accept the failure of our marriage.”
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Dimple Kapadia left Rajesh Khanna's home in April 1982 with their two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke. Despite their separation, the couple never got a formal divorce. The superstar revealed that Dimple was not ready to give him a divorce for reasons best known to her. At the same time, Dimple felt that Rajesh Khanna, the father of her daughters, was a vital part of her life. The couple remained in contact, and Dimple was by his side during his final days. Simultaneously, Anju was present during his last days of sickness, too.
What do you think about Rajesh Khanna's struggles in his personal relationships?
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