Master Raju Exposes Rajesh Khanna's Ego and Clash with Jaya Bachchan Over Amitabh
Actor Raju Shrestha, popularly known as Master Raju, has unveiled startling details about the legendary Rajesh Khanna, India's first superstar, highlighting his starry tantrums and a significant altercation with Jaya Bachchan. In a recent interview, Raju, who worked as a child artist with Khanna in the 1972 film Bawarchi, recounted how a fight erupted between Khanna and Jaya Bachchan (then Jaya Bhaduri) after Khanna made disparaging remarks about Amitabh Bachchan.
The Infamous Fight Over Amitabh Bachchan
Speaking to Siddharth Kannan, Master Raju recalled the incident that led to a halt in shooting. "There was an argument, and the shooting had also stopped," he said, emphasizing that the conflict centered on Amitabh Bachchan. Raju explained that Khanna felt threatened by Bachchan's rising popularity, which challenged his own superstar status. "He didn't want anyone to replace him, and Amitabh Bachchan was coming up with a lot of force. Rajesh Khanna said something against Amitabh Bachchan to Jaya ji, and that's when they fought," Raju revealed.
This rivalry marked a pivotal shift in Bollywood, as Amitabh Bachchan's success with films like Zanjeer (1973), Sholay, Deewar, and Namak Haraam gradually overshadowed Khanna's career, leading to Bachchan being hailed as the new superstar of the era.
Instances of Rajesh Khanna's Ego and Tantrums
Master Raju shared multiple anecdotes that paint a picture of Khanna's inflated ego, both on and off the set:
- Refusal to Meet Son-in-Law Akshay Kumar: Raju narrated an incident where Akshay Kumar visited Khanna's home, but Khanna, sitting upstairs, refused to come down. "His reaction was, 'Main uska sasur hoon, woh aayega mere paas, main kyun jaoon (I am his father-in-law, he will come to me, why should I go?)'" This behavior highlighted Khanna's insistence on respect, even from family members.
- Ignoring Master Raju After Years of Collaboration: Despite working together regularly on a serial, Khanna initially refused to acknowledge Raju. "After a year of working with him, one day, he called me by my name," Raju said, expressing surprise. He learned from the director that Khanna often spoke about him but chose not to show recognition directly, maintaining an aloof attitude.
- Starry Tantrums on Set: During the filming of Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein at China Creek, Khanna would only arrive on set if the producer personally fetched him from home. "All the actors, including Hema Malini, and myself would reach in the morning," Raju shared, noting that they often waited for hours. The crew would gauge Khanna's arrival by the speed of the producer's car: high speed meant Khanna was coming, while slow speed indicated a pack-up for the day.
Background on Rajesh Khanna's Career and Personal Struggles
Rajesh Khanna, celebrated as India's first superstar, experienced unprecedented fame early in his career but later faced a series of box-office failures. This decline led to periods of isolation, with alcohol becoming a frequent companion. Master Raju's revelations shed light on how Khanna's ego and insecurities, particularly regarding Amitabh Bachchan's ascent, influenced his interactions and contributed to his professional challenges.
These stories from Master Raju offer a rare glimpse into the personal dynamics of Bollywood's golden era, underscoring the intense rivalries and larger-than-life personalities that shaped the industry. They serve as a reminder of the human complexities behind the glamour, highlighting how fame and competition can impact behavior and relationships.
