When Rajesh Khanna responded to criticisms of arrogance: ‘I am not worthy of being loved by such a big crowd’

Affectionately known as "Kaka," Rajesh Khanna was admired by many for his gentle demeanour in addition to his acting prowess. However, there were some who perceived Khanna as arrogant.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | Updated: November 3, 2024 03:38 PM IST

3 min read

Arguably one of the biggest superstars in the history of Indian cinema, Rajesh Khanna continues to command a devoted fan following though 12 years have passed since his demise. Affectionately known as “Kaka” among those close to him, he was admired by many for his gentle demeanour in addition to his acting prowess. However, there were some who perceived Khanna as arrogant. Nonetheless, legendary actor Mumtaz, who shared the screen with him in numerous memorable films that endeared them to audiences as an iconic on-screen duo, once shared with Rediff that Khanna was “somewhat reserved,” suggesting that this nature may have been mistaken for arrogance.

Kaka himself once addressed these perceptions about his personality. During an appearance on the talk show Aap Ki Adalat in 1994, he said, “Waise aajkal dil kaha milte hain, bahut mushkil se milta hai. Kise apna kKahe koi iss kabil nahi milta… Yaha pathhar toh bahut milte hain, par dil nahi milta (Well, where do you find hearts these days, they are very difficult to find. One cannot find anyone worthy of calling one’s own… Here, one can find many stones, but not heart).” His words were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Also Read | Chunky Panday says his career ‘faded out’ when Ajay Devgn, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan made their debuts: ‘Enjoyed honeymoon for a year, then got lost’

Responding to criticisms of arrogance, he explained, “Had I been arrogant, our audience, who lifted me from an actor to a star and then to a superstar, would have never made me any of these. The public knows everything, both inside and out. Nothing can be hidden from them. I am not worthy of being loved by such a big crowd. Respect, fame, affection and desire don’t last in this world. Where I stand today, someone else stood yesterday.”

He continued, “Human beings are those who can accept their mistakes. A person who realises their mistake has a big heart. Those who think they are not doing anything wrong and are on the right path — on the path that god has put us on, where we will find his love — will pass through happily. Very rarely do we remain sad; only sometimes do the winds blow that way.”

Watch Rajesh Khanna on Aap Ki Adalat show here:

In 2013, Rajesh Khanna was posthumously honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. Kaka was married to legendary actor Dimple Kapadia from 1973 to 1982, with whom he had two children — author and columnist Twinkle Khanna and former actor Rinke Khanna. He also served as a Member of Parliament in the 10th Lok Sabha, representing the New Delhi constituency from 1992 to 1996.

From the homepage