Introduction: The Timeless Allure of Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna
Few on-screen pairings in Bollywood history have captured the imagination of audiences quite like Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna. Their chemistry in classics such as Do Raaste, Roti, and Aap Ki Kasam not only set the box office ablaze but also made them the talk of the town during the 1970s. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, Mumtaz recently revealed a lesser-known side of their partnership: the envy and adoration it inspired among Rajesh Khanna’s legion of female fans1.
The Rajesh Khanna Phenomenon: Bollywood’s First Superstar
Unprecedented Stardom and Fan Frenzy
Rajesh , often hailed as India’s first true superstar, enjoyed a level of adulation rarely seen before or since. At the peak of his fame, it was not uncommon for thousands of fans—mostly women—to gather outside his iconic sea-facing bungalow, Aashirwad, hoping for a glimpse of their idol. The stories are legendary: fans kissing his car, letters written in blood, and a frenzy that bordered on the surreal1.
“I used to look out of my window and see 10,000 women outside his house. I would think, ‘Baap re Kaka, yeh toh problem ho gayi hai.’ They would stand there, thousands of them,” Mumtaz recalled1.
Mumtaz: The Woman Who Romanced the Superstar
Mumtaz, a celebrated actress in her own right, was Rajesh Khanna’s most frequent leading lady. Together, they delivered a string of box office hits—so much so that film distributors would buy movies simply because the two were cast together1. Their on-screen romance became the stuff of legend, but it also sparked jealousy among Khanna’s most ardent admirers.
The Jealousy of Rajesh Khanna’s Female Fans
Faces in the Crowd: The Price of Stardom
According to Mumtaz, Rajesh s female fans were openly envious of her. Whenever the duo shot outdoor scenes, these fans would make faces at her, unable to hide their jealousy that she was the one romancing their beloved “Kaka” on screen.
“They never liked me, they were jealous that I got to romance him. Women don’t like sharing. They were jealous,” Mumtaz admitted, highlighting the intensity of Khanna’s female following1.
A Unique Neighbourhood Connection
Adding to the intrigue, Mumtaz and Rajesh were next-door neighbors during their heyday. While thousands of fans waited outside Khanna’s bungalow for hours, Mumtaz could simply walk over—a fact that only intensified the envy among his admirers.
The Personal Lives Behind the Stardom
Dispelling Rumors: No Off-Screen Romance
Despite persistent rumors, Mumtaz has consistently denied any real-life romance with Rajesh Khanna. She clarified that while their on-screen chemistry was electric, their relationship remained strictly professional and friendly.
“I wish I was involved with him, but I wasn’t. I missed the boat, I’d say. I’ve denied this a thousand times, but if people keep insisting that there was something between us, all I can do is say, ‘I wish…’” Mumtaz stated candidly34.
The Real Love Story: Rajesh and Anju Mahendru
Mumtaz revealed that Rajesh Khanna’s heart belonged to her close friend, Anju Mahendru. Their relationship, which began in 1966, was intense and lasted several years. Anju was a stabilizing force in Khanna’s life, managing his home and supporting him through his meteoric rise.
However, the romance ended abruptly when Khanna married the much younger Dimple Kapadia in 1973—a move that shocked both Anju and the entire film fraternity.
A Sudden Marriage and Its Aftermath
Khanna’s marriage to Dimple Kapadia, then just 16, was unexpected and marked a turning point in his personal life. Mumtaz and others close to him believe that had he stayed with Anju, his life might have taken a different, perhaps happier, trajectory.
“Even today, I’d say that Kaka might have still been alive had he stayed with Anju. She looked after him like he was a flower,” Mumtaz reflected34.
The Enduring Legacy of Mumtaz and Rajesh
Box Office Magic
The Mumtaz-Rajesh pairing was a surefire recipe for success in the 1970s. Not a single film they starred in together flopped, cementing their status as Bollywood royalty. Their movies continue to be celebrated for their charm, music, and the palpable chemistry that lit up the screen.
A Friendship That Withstood the Test of Time
Despite the swirling rumors and the pressures of stardom, Mumtaz and Rajesh maintained a warm professional relationship. Mumtaz also remained close friends with Anju Mahendru, supporting her through the ups and downs of her relationship with Khanna.
The Downfall: When Stardom Fades
Rajesh’s fall from grace was as dramatic as his rise. The arrival of Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s shifted the tides of Bollywood, and Khanna’s star began to wane. Personal setbacks, including his failed marriage to Dimple Kapadia and estrangement from close friends, marked his later years12.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Did Mumtaz and Rajesh ever date in real life?
No, Mumtaz has repeatedly clarified that she and Rajesh were never romantically involved off-screen, despite their celebrated on-screen chemistry.
2. Why were Rajesh’s female fans jealous of Mumtaz?
Rajesh massive female fan base envied Mumtaz because she frequently starred opposite him in romantic roles, and even had easy access to him as his neighbor, while they could only admire him from afar.
3. Who was Rajesh’s true love?
According to Mumtaz, Khanna’s true love was Anju Mahendru, with whom he shared a long and deep relationship before abruptly marrying Dimple Kapadia.
4. How did Rajesh’s marriage to Dimple Kapadia affect his life?
Khanna’s sudden marriage to Dimple Kapadia shocked many, including Anju Mahendru. Mumtaz and others believe the breakup with Anju and the subsequent marriage marked a turning point in his personal and professional life.
5. What is the legacy of the Mumtaz-Rajesh pairing in Bollywood?
Their partnership is remembered as one of the most successful in Hindi cinema, with a flawless record at the box office and enduring popularity among fans.
Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of Mumtaz and Rajesh
The story of Mumtaz and Rajesh is more than just a tale of cinematic success—it’s a window into the passions, rivalries, and heartbreaks that defined Bollywood’s golden era. While their on-screen romance sparked envy and speculation, it also gave audiences some of the most memorable moments in Hindi film history.
As Mumtaz herself puts it, the magic they created together was unique, and the stories behind the scenes only add to their legendary status. For fans old and new, revisiting their films is not just a trip down memory lane—it’s a celebration of an era when Bollywood’s biggest stars shone their brightest.
Takeaway:
If you’re a fan of classic Bollywood, now is the perfect time to revisit the timeless films of Mumtaz and Rajesh . Their legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that true stardom is as much about the stories behind the screen as the ones we see on it.
For more exclusive insights into Bollywood’s iconic stars, stay tuned to our entertainment section and share your favorite Mumtaz-Rajesh Khanna memories in the comments!