The life of Rajesh Khanna, India's first cinematic superstar, was a dramatic tapestry of unparalleled fame and profound personal trials. His iconic sea-facing bungalow, 'Aashirwad' on Mumbai's Carter Road, stood as a powerful symbol of this journey—from a glittering royal court to a site of heartbreaking financial struggle. In a poignant chapter of Bollywood history, Khanna's fierce pride led him to reject a lifeline extended by none other than Salman Khan, determined to hold onto his sanctuary until the very end.
The Glorious Durbar of Aashirwad
In the early 1970s, at the peak of his superstardom, Rajesh Khanna purchased the bungalow from actor Rajendra Kumar for Rs. 3.5 lakh. As detailed in Gautam Chintamani's biography, 'Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna', Khanna transformed Aashirwad into nothing less than a royal durbar. This was the court of a monarch who had delivered 15 consecutive box office hits, ruling the Hindi film industry unchallenged.
Producers would wait for hours outside, hoping for an audience with the king. When 'Kaka' finally appeared, he would sit on a chair deliberately placed higher than his guests, maintaining a visible distinction. Inside, the atmosphere was one of opulence and absolute authority. Whisky flowed freely, but dissent was never tolerated; those who disagreed were theatrically banished from his presence.
The Decline and a Generous Offer
The era of the romantic superstar began to wane with the arrival of Amitabh Bachchan as the 'Angry Young Man' in 1973. By the early 2000s, Khanna's financial situation had become dire. The Income Tax department served him a notice for unpaid dues exceeding Rs. 1.5 crore. Rumours swirled that the legendary actor might finally have to part with his beloved Aashirwad.
Seeing the superstar's struggle, Salman Khan stepped in. He reached out through screenwriter Rumi Jaffery. Salman's brother, Sohail Khan, was interested in purchasing the property. To make the deal respectful and alleviate Khanna's burden, Salman offered to settle all of Rajesh Khanna's outstanding Income Tax dues. He was so determined to help that he even offered to star in a film produced by Khanna without charging a single rupee.
The Fury of a Wounded Lion
Despite this extraordinarily generous offer, Rajesh Khanna reacted with what can only be described as the fury of a wounded lion. He felt deeply betrayed that anyone would suggest he sell his sanctuary. According to Rumi Jaffery's account, Khanna shouted at the proposal, "I consider you a son-in-law and you want to sell my house? You want to bring me to the streets!"
His pride was unshakeable. Years later, he reportedly scolded Sohail Khan in person for the same proposal. Khanna often mused that even after his death, 'Aashirwad' would stand forever as a monument to his stardom. In a tragic twist of fate, Rajesh Khanna passed away in the bungalow in 2012. Ironically, a few years later, the legendary structure was demolished to make way for a modern high-rise.
On the work front, Salman Khan is now gearing up for the release of the war drama 'Battle of Galwan' opposite Chitrangada Singh. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia and produced by Salman Khan Films, it is scheduled for release on April 17, 2026.
