Rajesh Khanna 81st Birth Anniversary: Top 10 Movies, 10 Unforgettable Love Songs & Heartwarming Photos with Twinkle

RAJESH KHANNA 81ST BIRTH ANNIVERSARY: It was the year 1966 when 24-year-old Rajesh Khanna stepped into the Indian film Industry. Little did the makers of Akhri Khat know that they were introducing the “first superstar of Hindi cinema” to the world. While Rajesh Khanna’s debut film Akhri Khat was India’s first official Oscar entry in 1967, it was not until the 1969 film Aradhana that he achieved superstardom. And, the rest is history.

The late legendary star, who got married to veteran actress Dimple Kapadia in 1973, was posthumously awarded India’s third-highest civilian honour, the Padma Bhushan. Fondly called “Kaka”, Rajesh Khanna’s legacy is still cherished by fans of Hindi cinema. On the occasion of the 81st birth anniversary of Rajesh Khanna here is a look back at his best films, evergreen songs and pictures with his daughter Twinkle Khanna.

Best Films

1. AradhanaShakti Samanta’s directorial featured Rajesh Khanna with Sharmila Tagore and Farida Jalal. Released just three years after Rajesh Khanna’s debut film, Aradhana made him grab all the limelight that he deserved. The movie features him in two distinctive roles.
2. AnandOne of Kaka’s most popular films, as it featured him alongside megastar Amitabh Bachchan. Remember the iconic dialogue “Babumoshai zindagi badi honi chahiye lambi nahi”? Well, it was part of this film. The 1971 film was helmed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.
3. Haathi Mere SaathiPenned by iconic duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, the film revolves around the beautiful relationship between a man and an elephant. MA Thirumugham was among one of the biggest hits of Rajesh Khanna’s career.
4. DushmanCompletely opposite to Rajesh Khanna’s much-loved romantic genre, Dushman features Kaka as a rugged truck driver. The 1971 film was directed by Dulal Guha and features Rajesh Khanna opposite Mumtaz.
5. Kati PatangYet another blockbuster by Rajesh Khanna. Directed by Shakti Samanta, the 1971 musical drama has given the Hindi film industry a few hit numbers. It features Rajesh Khanna with gorgeous Asha Parekh.
6. Amar PremNeedless to say, Shakti Samanta and Rajesh Khanna’s collaboration has given the Hindi cinema some iconic films. After Aradhana, the actor-director duo collaborated with in 1972 for Amar Prem. The movie also features Sharmila Tagore, Vinod Mehra and Om Prakash. The film was a Hindi remake of the Bengali film Nishi Padma.
7. BawarchiThe family entertainer will leave you rolling on the floor laughing. Courtesy: Kaka’s splendid comic timing. The brownie point: Amitabh Bachchan’s narration. The movie features Rajesh Khanna with Jaya Bachchan and Asrani.
8. Namak HaraamThis 1973 movie needs no new introduction. Once again the film brought the blockbuster duo of Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh Khanna on screen. Apart from the two legendary stars the movie also features Rekha, Simi Garewal and Asrani in prominent roles. The story revolves around two friends Somnath and Vikram.
9. AvishkarIn 1974, Rajesh Khanna shed off his romantic hero image to portray a disillusioned husband in an unhappy marriage. Sharmila Tagore essays the role of his wife. The movie is helmed by Basu Bhattacharya.
10. AmritAt the age of 44 years, in 1986, Kaka didn’t shy away from essaying the role of an elderly widower who is mistreated by his children. Amrit made Rajesh Khanna share screen space with Smita Patil. Helmed by Mohan Kumar, the movie also features Aruna Irani, Satish Shah, and Pallavi Joshi.

Evergreen Songs

1. Roop Tera MastanaThe 1969 film Aradhana has truly given the Hindi film industry some biggest hit numbers that are remembered by generations to come. And Roop Tera Mastana by Kishore Kumar stands tall on that list. The track features Rajesh Khanna expressing his fondness for Sharmila Tagore’s character.
2. Mere Sapno Ki RaniYet another hit track from Aradhana. This song has to be one of the first journey songs of the Hindi film industry. This was an introductory song in the film. With its euphoric beats and foot-tapping lyrics, the track will force you to shake a leg.
3. Achha To Hum Chalte HainIn the mesmerising voice of Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, Achha To Hum Chalte Hain is from the 1970 film Aan Milo Sajna. The melodious song was composed by music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
4. Gulabi AnkheinA track that needs no new introduction. It is hard to keep track of the number of times this amazing song was reprised. While we all have seen Alia Bhatt grooving to Gulabi Aankhen, the original track features Rajesh Khanna shaking a leg with Nanda. The hit number is from the 1970 film The Train.
5. Yeh Shaam MastaniIn this song from the 1971 film Kati Patang, Rajesh Khanna was seen romancing with young Asha Parekh. But it is Kishore Kumar’s voice that hooks you to the screen.
6. Pyar Deewana Hota HaiLet’s confess! With just the name of the song, we started crooning the lyrics. The song was featured in Shakti Samanta’s Kati Patang. And even five decades later, the track remains fresh on the tip of our tongue.
7. Yeh jo mohabbat haiKati Patang has hands down given us some terrific hit numbers, we believe that this is one of the most mesmerising tracks of Rajesh Khanna’s career. It features drunk Rajesh Khanna expressing his feelings about love.
8. Zindagi Ek Safar Hai SuhanaThe track from the 1971 film Andaz features Rajesh Khanna voicing the philosophy of life, with “Bollywood’s Dream Girl” Hema Malini behind him on his bike. Hasrat Jaipuri’s words made it a beautiful journey song.
9. O Mere Dil Ke ChainGenerations of actors will come and go, but this song will definitely make its own place in the hearts of millions. From its impressive lyrics to hooking beats, this song from the 1972 film Mere Jeevan Saathi will definitely make your special someone go weak at the knees.
10. Bheegi Bheegi Raaton MeinOne of the most scintillating tracks that Kaka was ever part of. The song from the 1974 film Ajnabee shows Rajesh Khanna romancing with beautiful Zeenat Aman in the rain. The film is directed by Shakti Samanta.

Heartwarming Photos with Twinkle Khanna

A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna)

On the occasion of her father’s birth anniversary last year, Twinkle Khanna dropped this hidden gem of a picture of her childhood. In the monochrome click, Twinkle as a toddler can be seen laughing her heart out with her father, late Rajesh Khanna.

A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna)

Twinkle Khanna remembered her father on his tenth death anniversary, by sharing this throwback picture of herself hugging Rajesh Khanna from behind. Sharing the picture, Twinkle wrote, “10 years. He is still here. In all our hearts.”

A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna)

This has to be the sweetest picture of Rajesh Khanna and Twinkle Khanna on the internet. The picture shows baby Twinkle dropping a peck on Kaka’s cheeks. How adorable.

A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna)

The adorable photo shows Twinkle Khanna as a toddler playing with her sister Rinke Khanna and Rajesh Khanna in a garden. Remembering her father she wrote, “Still lives on in my heart and within all the millions who made space for him in theirs…”

A post shared by Twinkle Khanna (@twinklerkhanna)

Young Twinkle Khanna and her father Rajesh Khanna appear to be posing for the paparazzi. We can see a garland around Kaka’s neck.