The Tumultuous Love Saga of Rajesh Khanna and Anju Mahendru
Rajesh Khanna, revered as Kaka and celebrated as India's first superstar, shared a deeply volatile and passionate relationship with actress Anju Mahendru that spanned seven intense years. Their romance, marked by dramatic highs and lows, culminated in a poignant chapter when Rajesh's wedding baraat deliberately passed by Anju's house, a move seen as a bold statement of moving on. This act added salt to the wounds of a relationship that had already seen Anju break off her engagement with legendary cricketer Garry Sobers at Rajesh's behest.
Early Days and Struggles Together
Before fame embraced him, Rajesh Khanna was known as Jatin, a struggling actor who found love in fellow aspirant Anju Mahendru. They met in the theatre circuit, where their connection blossomed into a romantic bond. Anju had already made her mark with small roles, notably in Dev Anand's Jewel Thief, while Rajesh was awaiting his big break after winning a talent contest. Supporting each other through lean times, they shared pet names—Justin for him and Nikki for her—reflecting an intimacy forged before stardom.
Volatility and Professional Conflicts
Their relationship was anything but smooth, often spilling into their professional lives. During the filming of Bandhan, where Rajesh starred opposite Mumtaz, their personal disputes led to unprofessional behavior on set. As Rajesh later recounted, they would deliberately avoid eye contact during dialogues, confusing producers and highlighting how their emotional turmoil overshadowed their careers. Despite being together for five years, their bond remained in a teething phase, fraught with misunderstandings.
Family Dynamics and Career Sacrifices
Anju became a constant presence at Rajesh's bungalow, Aashirvaad, managing household affairs and leading staff to believe she would become their 'memsaab'. However, Rajesh's mother disapproved of her modern ways, creating tension. As Rajesh's star rose with back-to-back hits, he pressured Anju to abandon her modeling career, which was gaining momentum. He expressed a desire for a non-working wife, questioning the value of her roles, while Anju felt he sabotaged her opportunities to keep her dedicated solely to him.
The Engagement with Garry Sobers and Suspicious Behavior
Amid their on-again, off-again dynamic, Anju got engaged to cricketer Garry Sobers during a rough patch. She later revealed that Rajesh's return led her to call off the engagement from his home. Rajesh grew increasingly suspicious, demanding to know her whereabouts constantly and complaining about lack of privacy due to her friends. Anju, in turn, resented his entourage of 'chamchas' who were always present, straining their connection further.
Dimple Kapadia's Entry and the Final Breakup
The arrival of Dimple Kapadia, whom Anju recalled initially addressing them as 'uncle' and 'aunty', marked a turning point. Anju noticed Dimple's calculated remarks aimed at her, and suspicions grew when she learned of a party Rajesh threw for Dimple in Khandala. Feeling betrayed, Anju ended the relationship by returning his belongings, which Rajesh viewed as an insult. He later reflected that the breakup lacked a civil conversation, attributing it to mutual misunderstandings.
The Wedding Baraat and Later Reconciliation
In 1973, Rajesh shocked fans by marrying Dimple Kapadia, who was half his age. In a move perceived as a final jab, he ensured his wedding baraat crossed Anju's house, symbolizing his move forward. Years later, after Rajesh and Dimple separated, he extended an olive branch, and they reconnected as friends after 17 years. Anju was by his side, along with Dimple and their daughters, when he passed away in 2012, though she never married, leaving their story as a bittersweet chapter in Bollywood history.
