Rajesh Khanna, who is still celebrated as the first true superstar of Hindi cinema, left behind a legacy filled with unparalleled fame and whispered stories of starry behaviour. While tales of his massive fan following and box office dominance are legendary, narratives about his perceived arrogance and tantrums on set have also persisted through the decades. In a rare and introspective television appearance, the actor, affectionately known as 'Kaka', directly confronted these long-standing criticisms, offering a philosophical defence of his character and a poignant look at the isolation of stardom.
The Loneliness at the Peak: Khanna's Philosophical Defence
During his memorable appearance on the popular show 'Aap Ki Adalat', Rajesh Khanna addressed the elephant in the room with remarkable candour. He reflected on the changing nature of human connections in the world of fame, stating that genuine hearts are hard to find. In a now-iconic remark, he said, "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." This heartfelt admission about the loneliness accompanying his superstar status was met with loud applause from a moved audience.
Crediting the Public: "The Audience Made Me"
Directly tackling the label of arrogance that had followed him for years, Khanna presented a powerful counter-argument. He firmly credited his entire journey—from actor to star to superstar—solely to the love of the Indian public. "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," he asserted. He expressed deep reverence for his fans, believing the public possesses an innate wisdom. "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," he humbly added, showcasing a profound sense of gratitude and self-awareness.
On Humanity, Mistakes, and Lasting Legacy
Moving beyond the discussion of fame, Khanna shared his thoughts on the essence of being human. He emphasised that true humanity lies in the ability to acknowledge one's flaws. "Human beings are those who can accept their mistakes. A person who realises their mistake has a big heart," he philosophised. He spoke about the transient nature of worldly success, noting that respect, fame, and affection are fleeting. "Where I stand today, someone else stood yesterday," he remarked, displaying an acceptance of life's cyclical nature.
The legendary actor, whose career defined an era of Bollywood, passed away in 2012. His contributions were formally recognised by the nation when he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in 2013. This interview remains a vital piece of cinematic history, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the mind of a man who experienced the highest highs of stardom, yet understood its inherent fragility and the ultimate judgment of his beloved audience.
