Veteran actress Moushumi Chatterjee, who shared screen space with Rajesh Khanna in films such as 'Anuraag', 'Prem Bandhan', and 'Bhola Bhala', recently spoke candidly about her experience working with the legendary superstar. In an interview, she echoed sentiments expressed by many of Khanna's former co-stars and directors, who often recalled his starry tantrums and chronic lateness.
Moushumi's Take on Rajesh Khanna's Superstardom
Moushumi did not hold back when describing Khanna's personality and the impact of his immense fame. “He was a spoilt brat. His success was always in his head,” she told NDTV, reminiscing about the peak of his career when he was the reigning heartthrob of Indian cinema.
Reflections on Loneliness and Karma
As Khanna's stardom waned with the rise of Amitabh Bachchan, he was often associated with loneliness, frustration, and personal struggles, including alcoholism. When asked if she ever sensed that loneliness in him, Moushumi responded philosophically. “No, it is all karma. The way you design your life, and the way you pretend to be what you are not, and the way you respond to all relationships,” she said.
She further reflected on solitude and emotional emptiness, stating, “If you say everybody is alone, you should know how to enjoy your alone time. Don’t feel lonely. I enjoy being alone. And I see that kind of vacuum; everybody goes through it in life. Take Kishore Kumar, Madhubala, they all went through it. Whatever is happening, it’s all part of your life. It is not your entire life.”
Hierarchy and Power in the Film Industry
Discussing the culture of hierarchy and power in the film industry during those years, Moushumi remarked, “Whoever was at the top felt whatever they said had to be obeyed. It was always there. Everybody who rules feels they can rule everything.”
A Controversial Anecdote
In an earlier interview with Lehren Retro, Moushumi shared a lesser-known and uncomfortable incident involving Khanna. She claimed that the actor once questioned the paternity of her daughter, asking whether her husband Jayanta Mukherjee or actor Vinod Mehra was the father.
“Rajesh Khanna played dirty many times. Today, he is no more. I went to see him also in his last stage. He was praising me in front of my younger daughter. He said to her, ‘Your maa was mad but we were all scared of her. She doesn’t believe in any nonsense’,” Moushumi recalled.
Speaking further about the remark Khanna allegedly made to her, she revealed that she gave him a sharp response. “Yes, I gave him back. I asked him, ‘Is it Rishi Kapoor’s child or yours?’” she said, referring to Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia’s daughters. According to Moushumi, her reply left the superstar speechless.
This candid interview offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of Bollywood's golden era, where superstardom often came with its own set of challenges and controversies.
