The story of Rajesh Khanna continues to fascinate Bollywood fans even today. Known as the first superstar of Hindi cinema, his journey had both unmatched highs and deeply emotional lows. Now, veteran actor Prem Chopra has opened up about the difficult phase in Khanna’s life when his stardom began to fade.
In a candid interview, Prem Chopra shared how the shift in the industry during the rise of Amitabh Bachchan had a strong impact on Rajesh Khanna. While Khanna remained quiet about his struggles, those around him could clearly sense the emotional toll.
Rajesh Khanna Faced Emotional Struggle During Career Decline
Talking about that period, Prem Chopra revealed that Rajesh Khanna found it hard to accept the change in his position. He said, “He didn’t discuss it, but I could feel what was going on. It’s difficult for him to digest that failure… to accept this position when he was already a top star, a superstar.”
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The veteran actor explained that such transitions are never easy. When someone enjoys massive success and then sees it slipping away, it can be deeply painful. He added, “He was drinking earlier too, but then he started drinking heavily. This happens everywhere – when such things happen, an actor either drinks more or something goes wrong because they can’t tolerate what they were and what they are now.”
Amitabh Bachchan’s Approach Helped Him Stay Relevant
While Rajesh Khanna struggled with change, Amitabh Bachchan chose a different path. According to Prem Chopra, Bachchan adapted with time and accepted roles beyond the typical hero image.
He explained, “The difference between him and Amitabh Bachchan is that Amitabh has accepted – I am not the hero of the picture. He doesn’t take the film on his shoulders. It’s the character he is doing, and his character is outstanding. Every film is doing so well.”
Chopra further praised Bachchan’s ability to evolve. The actor said, “He is doing very central characters and has become very popular because of this.”
Legacy Of Rajesh Khanna And More
Despite his struggles, Rajesh Khanna’s legacy remains iconic. He delivered an incredible run of hit films between 1969 and 1972 and created a level of fan frenzy rarely seen in Indian cinema. His charm and romantic image made him a household name.
However, as audience tastes changed and action-driven roles became popular, his dominance began to decline. Reports suggest that professional choices and personal challenges also played a role during this phase.
Prem Chopra also recalled Amitabh Bachchan’s early struggles and said, “He himself has said he lost a lot of money, property and all that. But once he got into it, there was no looking back. He walked from his house to Yash Chopra’s house for a role when he had no work. He went and said, “I want work.”
He concluded by praising Bachchan’s discipline, “He is a very hardworking actor. When he comes on set, he comes before time and works on the character he is doing.”
