Shatrughan Sinha Recalls Painful Rift with Rajesh Khanna After Election Contest
Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha recently shared emotional details about a difficult period in his long friendship with the late superstar Rajesh Khanna. The rift developed when both friends found themselves contesting against each other in a Delhi election, leading to years of silence between them.
The Election That Changed Everything
Shatrughan Sinha explained how Rajesh Khanna struggled to accept their political opposition. "We fought against each other in a Delhi election for which he couldn't forgive me for many days," Sinha revealed. "He thought, 'Mere khilaaf tum kaise khade ho gaye?' meaning 'How could you contest against me?'"
The actor-politician clarified that the decision was purely political rather than personal. "I told him, 'I am not contesting against you. It's the political party that decides who contests from where.'" He provided context about the electoral situation at that time, noting that LK Advani had secured a significant victory margin while Rajesh Khanna himself won from Gandhinagar with over one lakh votes.
Sinha added an interesting detail about the election outcome. Rajesh Khanna narrowly lost the Delhi election by just 2,000 to 3,000 votes. When the seat became vacant later, Khanna contested again only to find Sinha once more standing as his opponent.
Years of Silence and Attempted Reconciliation
Despite their deep friendship, the political competition created lasting wounds. "We were very good friends. After the election, he stopped talking to me," Sinha recalled with evident sadness. "I tried to sort things out. I even said sorry to him after a few years."
The veteran actor spoke particularly movingly about a missed opportunity for reconciliation years later when both were hospitalized. "When I was in the hospital a few years later, Rajesh Khanna was also hospitalised. I used to often tell my daughter Sonakshi that when I get discharged, I'll go straight to meet him," he shared.
Unfortunately, circumstances prevented this meeting from happening. "But I couldn't meet him. One day, Sonakshi told me that Rajesh Khanna uncle is no more. I had apologised to him way before that," Sinha added with regret.
A Cinematic Legacy That Endures
Despite their political differences, Shatrughan Sinha and Rajesh Khanna created memorable cinema together. They shared screen space in several notable films including:
- Muqabla (1979)
- Dushman Dost
- Naseeb (1981)
- Dil-e-Nadaan (1982)
- Maqsad (1984)
- Aaj Kaa M.L.A Ram Avtar (1984)
Their on-screen chemistry and collaborative work remain a cherished part of Hindi cinema history, standing separate from their political disagreements. The story of their friendship, rivalry, and eventual reconciliation attempt provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationships that exist within India's entertainment and political spheres.
