In a poignant revelation, acclaimed filmmaker R Balki has shared intimate and heart-wrenching details about the final professional engagement of Hindi cinema's first superstar, Rajesh Khanna. The legendary actor shot his last advertisement for Havells Fans just weeks before his passing in July 2012, displaying extraordinary dedication and humour despite being critically ill.
A Script That Made the Superstar Laugh
Balki, who directed the now-iconic commercial, recently recounted the experience on the Mama's Couch YouTube channel podcast. He approached Khanna, whom he always addressed as 'Sir', with a script that cleverly played on the actor's real-life trajectory. The ad concept showed Khanna reminiscing about his legion of fans, only to reveal that while his ardent followers may have dwindled, he still had 'Havells Fans' by his side.
When Balki read the script to him, Khanna laughed. The filmmaker, concerned about the sensitive subject, asked if he understood the implication. Khanna's response was quintessential of his charismatic personality. He reportedly said, "Babu moshai, you think I'd been a superstar if I didn't have a sense of humour?" This exchange highlighted Khanna's self-awareness and ability to laugh at his own changed circumstances.
The Shoot: An Air Ambulance and 45-Second Takes
The actual shoot took place a few months later in Bangalore, by which time Rajesh Khanna's health had severely deteriorated. Balki's description paints a picture of immense professional commitment against overwhelming odds.
Khanna flew to the location in an air ambulance. He arrived on set in a wheelchair, with an intravenous drip attached to his hand. His physical condition limited him to extremely short bursts of activity. The crew would remove the drip, help him up, and he could shoot for exactly 45 seconds at a stretch before needing to sit back down and rest.
This painstaking process resulted in less than seven minutes of total footage for a one-minute commercial, a situation Balki described as "unheard of" in the industry. Despite the immense physical suffering, Khanna saw the finished ad and was happy with it. In a bittersweet moment, he even told Balki, "We'll do a film together." The superstar passed away a couple of weeks after the shoot, on July 18, 2012.
An Emotional Glimpse of a Fading Legend
For Balki, who admitted to being a bigger fan of Khanna's contemporary Amitabh Bachchan, the experience was deeply moving. He witnessed the actor not in his glorious 1970s prime but in his most fragile state. "It was very emotional because I saw him in the worst state possible, in the most thin, fragile state. He knew he didn't have much time," Balki said.
The advertisement, released posthumously, features Khanna whistling the tune of his iconic song "Ye Sham Mastani" from the 1970 film Kati Patang, surrounded by Havells fans. It stands as a testament to his enduring screen presence and a touching, final nod to his unparalleled connection with his audience. The story underscores not just the tragic decline of a once-invincible star, but also a profound lesson in professionalism and grace under the most difficult circumstances.
