Rajesh Khanna's 'surrogate wife' Anita Advani makes shocking revelations about Bollywood's 1st superstar: 'He was very quiet but...'

Time of India

a day ago

Anita Advani's Candid Reflections
Clashes and Reconciliations
Earlier Revelations of a Complicated Relationship
The Private Marriage Claim
Life as His Surrogate Wife
Legal Battle After His Passing
Long before Shah Rukh Khan came to be celebrated as the 'King of Romance,' it was Rajesh Khanna who held that crown on the silver screen. Hailed as Hindi cinema 's first superstar, Khanna left an indelible mark with timeless romantic dramas such as Kati Patang, Amar Prem, and Aradhana. Audiences adored his effortless portrayal of passionate love, and his on-screen chemistry with leading actresses, including Mumtaz and Sharmila Tagore, became legendary. Yet, beyond the dazzling glamour of his cinematic image, the actor's personal life carried shadows that only those closest to him witnessed.Anita Advani, who shared her life with Khanna during the 2000s, opened up about his off-screen persona in a detailed conversation with Meri Saheli. According to her, the star of Anand had a quiet, reserved nature in his normal state. However, his temperament changed drastically after consuming alcohol. Advani recalled that while he generally appeared withdrawn, even a few drinks could trigger aggression and irritation.'I started living with him in 2000. He was very quiet at that point, but after a few drinks he used to get aggressive and angry. I don't think it was frustration over his career, but he would just be irritated by little things, and anything said by anyone could send him over the edge..." she said.She emphasized that his anger was not rooted in bitterness over his fading career but rather in the smallest provocations that easily unsettled him. In her words, Khanna carried immense emotional baggage, and stardom of his magnitude created both extraordinary highs and painful lows. Once those heights faded, she suggested, the decline naturally bred frustration, leaving him in constant conflict with his surroundings.Advani further shared that their relationship was punctuated by frequent arguments and emotional turbulence. She remembered keeping a diary during those years, and when she looked back at her entries, most of them described quarrels with Khanna. At times, overwhelmed by his behavior, she would leave his home and take refuge at her sister's residence, refusing to answer his phone calls.Khanna, however, would not allow the silence to stretch too long. According to Advani, he often sent staff members with elaborate hampers and heartfelt notes in an attempt to reconcile. Yet she refused these gestures, returning the gifts and letters unread. Eventually, after a period of distance and persuasion, she admitted she would yield, as she too longed for his presence despite the conflicts.Advani had also spoken about her life with Khanna in a 2013 interview with Rediff. She described him as a difficult partner, especially after alcohol altered his mood. His rudeness could be cutting, and learning to live with him required patience and careful understanding. She explained that at first she tried to resist and argue, but over time Khanna himself instructed her to simply remain quiet, even when he was in the wrong. It was his way of preserving fragile peace within the household.One of the most striking claims made by Advani was that she and Khanna had married in a private ceremony that was never officially acknowledged. She stated that the film industry rarely spoke openly about such matters, preferring to veil relationships under vague terms like "friendship" or "companionship." Since the media had already speculated about their closeness, both she and Khanna felt no compulsion to make public declarations about their union.Recounting the event, she revealed that the ceremony was deeply personal. Within the confines of their home, in a small temple space, Khanna made her wear a gold mangal sutra strung with black beads, placed sindoor on her forehead, and declared her his responsibility from that day onward. This quiet ritual, she explained, marked the beginning of their marital bond, even though it remained invisible to the public eye.In her own words, Advani saw herself as Khanna's 'surrogate wife.' She managed the household affairs at his famed Aashirwad bungalow and took care of him during the years when his health was in decline. Her devotion extended beyond practical responsibilities, as she observed rituals such as Karva Chauth for his wellbeing, reinforcing the depth of her commitment.Following Rajesh Khanna's death, Advani sought legal recognition for her role in his life. She filed a case against his family demanding maintenance and acknowledgment of her relationship with him. However, complications arose because Khanna remained legally married to actress Dimple Kapadia , despite their separation. This meant that any marriage with Advani could not have legal standing, leaving her claims contested in the public and judicial domains.