Rajesh Khanna, widely regarded as India's first-ever superstar, remains an enduring icon in the history of Hindi cinema. The tales of his stardom, unprecedented and almost mythical in scale, still leave readers awestruck. Fans would gather in droves, his car would be smeared with lipstick, and his photographs were worshipped in homes. Such was the love and hysteria he commanded at his peak. But as with the nature of fame and life, the tides soon turned. The emergence of Amitabh Bachchan as the nation’s “Angry Young Man” gradually overshadowed the romantic image of Rajesh. While Rajesh’s stardom was meteoric, Amitabh's proved to be enduring, with a legacy that continues to thrive even today. In an old interview with Lehren Retro, Rajesh acknowledged this shift, openly admitting to feelings of envy toward Amitabh’s lasting success. “He started working with me in Anand and now he has reached such great heights of fame. I not only congratulate him but also only wish the best for him. Always happy to see him grow. I envy him that he started with us and has come a long way. It's a matter of great pride for me and everyone in the industry.” Yet, Rajesh didn’t hold back from taking a subtle jibe at the kind of cinema that rose to prominence during Amitabh’s rise — especially the shift toward action-oriented narratives. Reflecting on his own legacy as the quintessential romantic hero, he remarked: “I always acted as a romantic hero. Never did action, nor did I have any ambition to do action films. Always did films which were high on emotions. Did romance, did comedy, did family. And to be honest, what’s greater emotion than romance? What a greater emotion than love? So I’m happy that I took that path.” Also Read | Rajesh Khanna couldn’t accept the fact that his stardom was fading, Amitabh Bachchan started doing character roles at the right time: Prem Chopra The Rajesh Khanna-Amitabh Bachchan rivalry is one of Bollywood’s most storied chapters, often discussed among fans and film historians alike. Even veteran actress Moushumi Chatterjee, known for her work with both actors and her candid takes, has commented on their dynamic. In recent reflections, she alluded to Amitabh’s intense work ethic and how his rise to superstardom led to a certain shift in his demeanour. While she acknowledged that Rajesh could be egoistic at times, she attributed it to the overwhelming adoration he once received, stardom that few had experienced at that level.
