Khanna, Rajesh, << KAHN ah, RAH jesh >> (1942-2012), was an Indian motion-picture actor, producer, and politician. He was called the first superstar of Hindi cinema. India’s motion-picture industry is known as Bollywood . Khanna became known as a romantic leading man in hit films in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He won three Filmfare Awards for best actor. Filmfare Awards are presented annually for artistic and technical excellence in filmmaking in the Hindi language. The Indian magazine Filmfare presents the awards. Khanna won for the action comedy Sachaa Jhutha (1970), the drama Anand (1971), and the family drama Avishkaar (1974). He also received a special Filmfare Award as guest actor for his appearance in the family drama Anuraag (1972), a Filmfare special award in 1991 for starring in 101 films as the solo lead hero, and a Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Khanna was born on Dec. 29, 1942, in Amritsar, Punjab, British India (now India). His real name was Jatin Chunnilal Khanna. He was adopted by relatives. Khanna moved with his family to Bombay (now Mumbai ) as a child. Khanna won drama prizes while he was a student at Kishinchand Chellaram College. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. In 1965, Khanna won the All India Talent Contest organized by United Producers and Filmfare. He made his motion-picture debut in the family drama Aakhri Khat (1966). Khanna first won acclaim in 1969 for playing dual roles as airforce pilots who are father and son in Aradhana.
Khanna appeared in more than 160 films. His other notable films include Aan Milo Sajna and Kati Patang (both 1970), Haathi Mere Saathi (1971), Amar Prem and Mere Jeevan Saathi (both 1972), Daag and Namak Haraam (both 1973), Aap Ki Kasam (1974), Red Rose (1980), and Avtaar (1983). He also produced a number of motion pictures, beginning with Alag Alag (1985).
In 1992, Khanna was elected to India’s Parliament, representing New Delhi . He served in that post until 1996. Khanna was married to the Indian actress Dimple Kapadia from 1973 until his death on July 18, 2012. Their daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna, also became motion-picture actresses.
