Akshay Kumar's Candid Reflections on Rajesh Khanna's Legacy
Superstar Akshay Kumar offered a rare and deeply personal glimpse into his relationship with his late father-in-law, the legendary Rajesh Khanna, during a recent appearance at the India Today Conclave. The 'Bhooth Bangla' actor revealed that his greatest takeaway from the first superstar of Indian cinema wasn't how to achieve fame, but rather how to handle the inevitable decline that follows it.
Learning What Not to Do
Akshay Kumar expressed that he took many profound lessons from the life of Rajesh Khanna. The actor stated, "I have learned a lot from my father-in-law. What did I learn from him? I learned what not to do. That's actually the truth." He further elaborated that Rajesh Khanna would honestly sit down with him and discuss the mistakes he had made during his career.
"He was the number one superstar; India has seen that," Akshay added, emphasizing the magnitude of Rajesh Khanna's stardom and the valuable insights gained from his experiences.
From Childhood Admiration to Family Connection
The 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' actor shared a nostalgic memory from his childhood, recalling how he used to pass by Rajesh Khanna's iconic bungalow in Mumbai, Aashirwad, with his parents. Akshay remembered waiting outside the residence just to catch a glimpse of the superstar, never imagining that one day he would marry Rajesh Khanna's daughter, Twinkle Khanna.
This personal connection adds a poignant layer to the lessons Akshay learned, bridging his childhood admiration with his later family ties.
Remembering Rajesh Khanna
The veteran superstar Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69. He took his last breath at his Mumbai residence, the same Aashirwad bungalow that Akshay Kumar once visited as a fan. Reports indicated that he was suffering from cancer at the time of his passing.
Akshay Kumar's Personal and Professional Life
Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna married in January 2001, and the couple shares two children: son Aarav, born in 2002, and daughter Nitara, born in 2012. On the professional front, Akshay Kumar is preparing for several upcoming projects:
- The release of his next film, 'Bhooth Bangla', directed by Priyadarshan, set to arrive in cinemas on April 10, 2026.
- His film 'Welcome to the Jungle', directed by Ahmed Khan, which will also release in theaters this year.
- Another collaboration with Priyadarshan titled 'Haiwaan', where he stars as the lead.
- Recent announcement by Rohit Shetty that Akshay Kumar has joined the cast of 'Golmaal 5'.
These revelations at the India Today Conclave highlight not only the personal bond between Akshay Kumar and Rajesh Khanna but also the enduring impact of the legendary actor's life on contemporary Bollywood stars.
