Who's Anita Advani? Lived With Rajesh Khanna, Called Herself His 'Secret Wife', Sued Dimple Kapadia

Rajesh Khanna is often hailed as the first superstar of Indian cinema. He remains an icon within the Indian film industry, and his legacy continues to influence Bollywood even after years of his passing. With a career that redefined stardom in the '70s and '80s, Rajesh’s charm, talent, and massive fan following made him a legend in his own right. While his professional life has been well-documented, his personal life often remained the subject of rumours and speculation, especially his relationship with Anita Advani, a name long associated with him.

Anita Advani has once again come into the spotlight with her renewed claim that she was married to Rajesh Khanna, a statement that has stirred conversations and headlines. Known for being close to the actor during his final years, Anita has previously talked about her emotional and legal connection to him, and her latest declaration only adds another chapter to an already complex story. While how much truth the claims hold is yet to be discovered, here's all you need to know about her.

Who is Anita Advani?

Anita Advani is a former actress who appeared in a handful of Hindi films during the 1980s, including Daasi (1981), Aao Pyaar Karen (1983), and Saazish (1988). Though her acting career was relatively short-lived, she re-entered the public eye following the death of Bollywood legend, Rajesh Khanna with whom she claimed that she shared a deeply personal and emotional bond. Anita further gained media attention through her participation in the reality show Bigg Boss, using the platform to speak about her relationship with the superstar.

Born on November 20, 1962, in Mumbai, Anita also has an intriguing international connection; she is reportedly the niece of former Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos. This link to one of Southeast Asia’s most controversial political families adds a unique layer to her background, further fueling public curiosity about her life and her claims. However, no official proof or document supporting her family lineage is publicly available.

Anita Advani claims she met Rakesh Khanna before his marriage to Dimple Kapadia

While Rajesh and Dimple tied the knot in 1973, their marriage began to unravel within a decade. Though the two never got officially divorced, the couple lived separately for years. Amid his estrangement with Dimple, Rajesh Khanna reportedly began living with Anita in 2004, and according to her, they remained together until he died in 2012. 

The companionship between Anita and Rajesh during his final years has always been a subject of both public speculations and legal attention. Anita has often claimed her role in his life as more than just a caretaker or a close friend. Now she has also claimed that her relationship with Rajesh Khanna began even before his much-publicised marriage to Dimple Kapadia. In one of her statements, she could be quoted as saying:

“Yes, I came into his life before Dimple Kapadia. But we didn’t get married at the time because I was so young. Eventually, I went back to Jaipur." 

Anita Advani had previously claimed herself as Rajesh Khanna’s ‘surrogate wife’

In the past, alongside her many other claims, Anita Advani had also claimed that she was in a live-in relationship with the superstar till the time of his passing. She called herself Rajesh Khanna’s ‘surrogate wife’ and said that she looked after him and all the daily working in his bungalow, Aashirwad. She has said that she would even keep Karva Chauth fasts for Rajesh, a ritual followed by Hindu wives for their husbands.

Anita Advani’s legal case against Rajesh Khanna’s family

Following the death of Rajesh Khanna in 2012, Anita Advani made headlines by filing a legal case against his family. She claimed a share in his property and alleged that she was forcibly evicted from his iconic Carter Road bungalow, Aashirwad. Citing the Domestic Violence Act, which grants legal rights to live-in partners, Anita asked court for recognition as Rajesh’s partner, along with the right to his residence and protection.

In her complaint, she named Dimple Kapadia, Rajesh's daughters, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna, and son-in-law, Akshay Kumar. Additionally, she also filed a criminal case in a Bandra court, accusing them of many things such as forgery, trespassing, criminal conspiracy, and wrongful execution of Rajesh’s will. 

However, all of her claims were strongly denied by the Khanna family, and after the case went to the court, it ultimately did not recognise Anita as Rajesh’s legal heir. As far as it is documented, there is no known ruling that establishes her status as Rajesh's common-law spouse under Indian law.

Anita Advani was not allowed to attend Rajesh Khanna’s funeral

The whole country was shocked and saddened when Rajesh Khanna left the world on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69 after a prolonged illness. Amidst fans and family mourning the superstar and bidding him farewell at his funeral, Anita Advani was not allowed to attend it. Anita revealed that security personnel had been stationed to prevent her from entering the premises.

Anita also shared that her close friends and staff had encouraged her to attend and even suggested she should document the whole situation and mistreatment she was facing. Still, she ultimately chose to stay away out of respect for the solemn occasion and the late actor. Instead, she held a private chautha for him at a temple, mourning him in her own way.

Anita Advani claims to be Rajesh Khanna’s wife

In a recent interview with Meri Saheli, Anita Advani made headlines once again by claiming that she was the late actor, Rajesh Khanna’s second wife. According to her, the two tied the knot in a private ceremony that they chose not to disclose publicly. As their companionship was already reported in the media; they never felt the need to make a formal announcement. She could be quoted as saying:

“We got married privately, but in the film industry, no one talks about such things openly. Everyone says ‘we’re friends’ or ‘we’re in a relationship’ or something else.” 

Anita went on to describe their intimate wedding ceremony at home, sharing personal details that she believes cemented their union. Their wedding, as narrated by her, was not a lavish affair, nor was it witnessed by many; instead, it was just the two of them in the temple in their home. She could be quoted as saying:

“We had a small temple in our home. I had a mangal sutra made, gold with black beads. He made me wear it. Then he applied sindoor and said, ‘From today, you are my responsibility.’ That’s how our wedding happened one night, just like that.” 

Anita Advani’s bond and relationship with Rajesh Khanna remains both emotional and controversial. Whether seen as true love or disputed claims, her story continues to be a part of the late actor’s legacy.

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