New Delhi: Akshaye Khanna has found himself at the center of every conversation after his powerful performance as dacoit Rahman in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar. The actor’s intense screen presence has not only impressed the audience but has also aroused interest in his intimate personal life, especially his relationship with his legendary father, the late Vinod Khanna.
Vinod Khanna is one of the most influential stars of the Hindi film industry. Making her Bollywood debut in 1968 with Mann Ka Meet, she enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning decades. From the action drama Qurbani (1980) with Firoz Khan to blockbusters like Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978) and Khoon Aur Pasina (1977) with Amitabh Bachchan, Khanna was at the peak of stardom in the 1970s and early 1980s.
However, at the peak of his booming career, Vinod Khanna took a decision that shocked the entire film industry. Deeply influenced by the teachings of spiritual leader Osho Rajneesh, he gave up his life of fame and took sannyasa. Leaving his wife Gitanjali and his two young sons in India, Khanna relocated to Osho’s ashram in Oregon, United States.
Add Zee News as favorite source
Back home, Geetanjali was left to raise the children and manage the household alone. Despite his repeated public emotional appeals to Vinod Khanna to return to family life, he remained committed to his spiritual path. The prolonged separation and emotional stress ultimately proved too much for the marriage to survive and the couple divorced in 1985.
After the fall of the Ashram, Vinod Khanna returned to India and resumed his acting career. During this phase, he gradually rebuilt his relationship with his sons. On his 43rd birthday, he met Kavita Daftari, with whom he fell in love. The couple married on 15 May 1990. Vinod Khanna continued working in films and public life until his death in 2017.
Also Read: Meet the man behind the hit music of Dhurandhar: Worked with Hans Zimmer, composed ‘Ghafoor’, won a National Award…
Akshaye Khanna on being left behind at the age of five
Akshaye Khanna, known to be tight-lipped about his personal life, has spoken very little about his childhood. In an old interview with Mid-Day, the actor reflected on his father’s decision to leave the family when he was just five years old.
Akshay said, “Not only to leave his family, but also to take up sannyasa. Total renunciation.” “Family is just a part of life. It was a life-changing decision that he felt he needed to take at that time. As a five-year-old, it was impossible for me to understand. I can understand it now.”
He further said that such an election could not be taken lightly. “Something must have hit him so deep inside that he felt this decision was worth everything to him. Especially when you already have success, fame and comfort. To take such a step and then stick to it requires a massive internal shift – almost like an earthquake.”
When asked why he believed his father eventually returned to India, Akshay offered a candid perspective. “From what I remember of my father talking about that phase, I don’t think returning to the family was the reason. The commune was disbanded and destroyed, and everyone had to find their own way. That’s when he came back. Otherwise, I don’t think he would have done it.”