In a revealing conversation, Ketan Anand, son of the legendary filmmaker Chetan Anand, has shed light on a lesser-known chapter in Bollywood history involving the iconic actor Rajesh Khanna. Speaking on the Unheard Tales Podcast, Ketan discussed the complexities of success and how it impacted professional relationships in the film industry.
The Rise of Rajesh Khanna and Chetan Anand's Initial Support
Rajesh Khanna, widely regarded as the first true superstar of Bombay cinema, began his illustrious career with the film Aakhri Khat, directed by Chetan Anand. Ketan Anand emphasized that his father was always keen on nurturing new talent, stating, "My father always wanted new people." This collaboration marked the start of Khanna's journey to fame, with Chetan Anand playing a pivotal role in giving him his big break.
Why Chetan Anand Refused to Work with Rajesh Khanna After Stardom
However, as Rajesh Khanna's popularity soared to unprecedented heights, Chetan Anand made a conscious decision to distance himself from the actor. Ketan recalled that people often questioned his father, asking, "Aapka hero hai, aap uske saath kaam kyun nahi karte?" (He is your hero, why don't you work with him?). In response, Chetan Anand firmly stated, "I don't work with stars, I work with actors. Jab usko zaroorat padegi woh wapas aayega" (When he needs me, he will come back). This stance highlighted Chetan Anand's commitment to artistic integrity over commercial stardom.
The Eventual Reunion in Kudrat
Despite this period of separation, Rajesh Khanna and Chetan Anand eventually reunited for the film Kudrat. Ketan Anand fondly remembered this collaboration, describing it as "a beautiful film" that received widespread acclaim and is celebrated as one of their finest works together. He noted that Khanna returned to work with his father towards the end of his career, bridging the gap that stardom had created.
Reflections on Success and Its Challenges
Ketan Anand used this anecdote to reflect on the broader theme of handling success. He remarked that failure might be easier to tackle, but success often comes with difficult side effects. "Look what happened to Rajesh Khanna," he said, pointing out how the actor's legendary status was both a blessing and a burden. This insight offers a poignant look at the pressures faced by celebrities in the limelight.
Personal Struggles and Marital Breakdown
The conversation also touched upon Rajesh Khanna's personal life, particularly the decline of his stardom and the breakdown of his marriage to Dimple Kapadia. In an interview with Pritish Nandy, Dimple expressed her inability to comprehend the behavior patterns of stars, stating, "I just couldn't understand it." When asked if that period was traumatic, she simply replied, "Yes, it was."
Rajesh Khanna's Candid Admission of Downfall
Rajesh Khanna himself opened up about his struggles in a candid chat with Movie magazine. He recounted a moment of despair after seven consecutive film failures, where he yelled out in frustration, "Parvardigar, hum garibon ka itna sakht imtihan na le ki hum tere wajood ko inkar kar de" (God, don't test my patience to such an extent that I question your very existence). He attributed this emotional outburst to the overwhelming impact of success, saying, "It was because success hit me so much that I couldn't take the failure."
This story not only highlights the professional dynamics between Chetan Anand and Rajesh Khanna but also delves into the human aspects of fame, making it a compelling narrative for Bollywood enthusiasts and historians alike.
