In a revelation that has once again stirred Bollywood’s legacy of love, loss, and hidden relationships, Anita Advani has claimed that she was secretly married to India’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna. Known for her long association with the actor during the later years of his life, Anita Advani’s statements have resurfaced, reigniting debates about Khanna’s personal life, his relationships, and the struggles that surrounded him outside the glitz of cinema.
According to Anita, Rajesh Khanna himself performed the symbolic act of marriage by making her wear a mangal sutra, a sacred marital thread in Indian tradition. This disclosure, though controversial, adds another layer to the superstar’s already complex personal narrative.
Rajesh Khanna: The Superstar Who Defined Bollywood Stardom
Rajesh Khanna, fondly known as Kaka, was the first true superstar of Hindi cinema. With a career that witnessed unparalleled adulation in the 1970s, he delivered a streak of 15 consecutive hit films, a feat unmatched in Indian cinema. His charm, romantic portrayals, and melodious songs made him a household name.
But behind the stardom lay personal turbulence — from a troubled marriage with actress Dimple Kapadia to rumored affairs and companionships. Anita Advani was one of the closest people to him during his final years, and her claim of a secret marriage has reignited public curiosity.
Anita Advani’s Revelation
In her statement, Anita Advani expressed that Rajesh Khanna wanted her as his life partner, and in an intimate private moment, he asked her to wear a mangal sutra. This act, according to her, was not just symbolic but was his way of acknowledging her role as his wife.
She reportedly said:
- “Rajesh Khanna made me wear the mangal sutra with his own hands.”
- “I was with him in his good and bad times, and I was his wife in every sense.”
This revelation, though emotionally charged, also carries a controversial undertone as there is no legal documentation or family acknowledgment of such a marriage.
The Dimple Kapadia Chapter
Rajesh Khanna’s marriage to Dimple Kapadia was one of Bollywood’s most talked-about unions. Dimple was only 16 when she married Khanna in 1973, right before the release of her blockbuster debut Bobby. The couple later drifted apart, though they never formally divorced.
Even after separation, Dimple was by Khanna’s side during his illness and last days, which makes Anita Advani’s claim of being his wife contentious. While Dimple maintained a dignified silence, her daughters Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna have often defended their mother against controversies linked to their father’s personal life.
The Legal and Inheritance Angle
After Rajesh Khanna’s demise in July 2012, a dispute arose around his estate and properties. Anita Advani had previously claimed her right to his bungalow Aashirwad in Bandra and other assets, alleging that she had lived with him as his partner for years.
This new claim of a secret marriage brings back focus on whether she might have any legal grounds for inheritance or recognition.
| Key Aspect | Rajesh Khanna & Dimple Kapadia | Rajesh Khanna & Anita Advani |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Marriage | Yes, in 1973 | No legal record |
| Separation | Yes, lived apart | Lived together (as per Anita) |
| Public Recognition | Widely acknowledged | Mostly contested |
| Support in Final Days | Dimple Kapadia was present | Anita also claimed presence |
Bollywood’s Silent Reactions
While fans are debating Anita’s claim, Bollywood has largely remained silent. This silence perhaps reflects the industry’s respect for Rajesh Khanna’s legacy, as well as the sensitivity of discussing personal matters of departed icons.
Some industry insiders, however, have hinted that Anita Advani did indeed share a close companionship with the superstar, but whether it was a marital bond is something only the two knew.
Why the Revelation Now?
The timing of Anita Advani’s disclosure also raises questions. More than a decade after Rajesh Khanna’s passing, her statement may have been influenced by:
- Need for Recognition – To be remembered not just as a companion but as a wife figure.
- Legacy Narratives – Ensuring her place in the superstar’s story.
- Legal or Personal Motives – Reviving her past claims over property or inheritance.
The Emotional Undertone
Beyond controversies, Anita Advani’s words reflect emotional pain. For years, she has spoken about the loneliness Rajesh Khanna faced in his last years and how she stood by him. Whether the marriage claim is symbolic or literal, it reflects her desire to be recognized as someone who mattered deeply in his personal journey.
A Pattern in Bollywood Legacies
The story of Anita Advani and Rajesh Khanna is not unique in Bollywood. Several stars have had secret marriages, hidden relationships, and disputed inheritance battles. For instance:
- Parveen Babi’s relationships were surrounded by speculation even after her passing.
- Rekha’s personal life, including rumors of marriage to Mukesh Agarwal and her bond with Amitabh Bachchan, still dominates public curiosity.
- Meena Kumari and her troubled marriage remain part of cinematic lore.
These stories highlight how fame often brings with it a blurred line between personal and public life.
Public Sentiment
Fans of Rajesh Khanna remain divided:
- Supporters of Anita Advani empathize with her sacrifices and companionship.
- Loyal admirers of Dimple Kapadia dismiss Anita’s claims as opportunistic.
- Neutral voices argue that such revelations only tarnish the memory of a legend who should be remembered for his artistry, not his personal struggles.
Legacy of Rajesh Khanna
Regardless of controversies, Rajesh Khanna’s cinematic legacy remains untarnished. With timeless hits like Anand, Amar Prem, Kati Patang, and Aradhana, his contribution to Indian cinema is monumental. For millions of fans, he remains the original superstar whose charm is immortal.
Anita Advani’s claim may add complexity to his personal life’s narrative, but his artistic brilliance ensures his memory continues to shine.
Conclusion
The revelation that Anita Advani says she secretly married Rajesh Khanna and wore a mangal sutra given by him is bound to fuel debates for years. While questions of legality and acknowledgment persist, what stands out is the emotional truth she asserts — that she shared a bond with the superstar that she believes was marital in nature.
As with many Bollywood legends, the real story may forever remain between the people involved. For fans, the challenge remains to separate the man Rajesh Khanna was in his personal life from the superstar Rajesh Khanna remains on screen.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reported statements. It does not claim to verify or establish the legal or factual accuracy of Anita Advani’s claims. The purpose is to present the developments as part of Bollywood’s historical and cultural discourse.
