Mumbai: On Rajesh Khanna’s 82nd birthday, Bollywood is still remembering the “first superstar” of Hindi cinema, but new controversies related to his will and personal life have come to light. Known for his unmatched charm and numerous blockbuster films, Khanna left behind not only a legacy of fame, but also a complex and tumultuous personal history involving his family and romantic relationships.
Rajesh Khanna, who died on 18 July 2012, left behind considerable property and his prestigious bungalow Ashirwad. However, in a move that shocked many, Khanna’s will – which was reportedly signed just a month before his death – excluded his wife Dimple Kapadia from the inheritance. Instead, he bequeathed his property and assets to his two daughters, Twinkle and Rinki. Kapadia’s boycott has raised questions, especially given the couple’s long-standing marriage.
Despite separation and facing personal challenges, Khanna and Kapadia remained married until his demise. Their relationship faced many ups and downs, especially in the wake of Khanna’s decline in stardom and their conflict in the 1970s. The content of the will has thus given rise to discussion about his final years and whether the decision reflected deeper issues within the marriage.
The conspiracy surrounding Khanna’s wealth also involves the involvement of Anita Advani, who was Khanna’s alleged live-in partner for almost a decade. A day before Khanna’s death, Advani sent a legal notice to his family, claiming his rights over his property. Advani, who described herself as Khanna’s “surrogate wife”, argued that she played an important role in taking care of him, managing his household and even performing rituals such as Karva Chauth during his final years.
Despite his claims, Advani was reportedly kept out of the funeral proceedings, increasing his resentment towards Khanna’s family. In an emotional interview with ETimes, Advani said, “I was with him during his times of loneliness.” He also revealed that while Khanna had expressed a desire to convert Ashirwad into a museum, he believed this vision was neglected by his family after his death.
Advani stated that she never raised the issue of inheritance during Khanna’s lifetime, as she loved him and was not motivated by money. She said, “I didn’t bring up the topic of money because I was never with him about his property.” However, after feeling mistreated by his family posthumously, Advani decided to seek legal redress by claiming his rights to compensation.
The ongoing legal battle and revelations regarding Khanna’s will have brought into focus the complexities of celebrity relationships, inheritance and legacy. It also raises important questions about how the private lives of public figures are managed after their demise and what challenges family members and loved ones face when dealing with fame, wealth and legacy.
