Rajesh Khanna's Last Wish Was To Turn His Bungalow, Aashirwaad, Into A Museum

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Rajesh Khanna's final wish to turn his iconic bungalow into a museum remained unfulfilled, even as offers poured in.
Rajesh Khanna, often called the first true superstar of Indian cinema, lived a life most could only dream of. With a record number of hit films, unmatched fan following, and a house that became a landmark, he seemed to have it all.
But behind the fame and flashing cameras was a man who, in his final years, withdrew from the world.
64 Unopened Suitcases
After his death in July 2012, a haunting discovery was made at his iconic Mumbai home, Aashirwaad: 64 unopened suitcases. These were filled with gifts he had bought during his trips abroad for friends and loved ones. But for reasons unknown, they were never delivered. This small detail reflected something much deeper: the loneliness of a man who once had crowds cheering his name.
A Marriage of Fame and Silence
In 1973, Rajesh Khanna married Dimple Kapadia, just before the release of her debut film Bobby. She was only 16, and their relationship began under the heavy weight of his stardom. Soon, differences started to appear. Khanna's emotional swings and personal struggles led to a growing distance between them.
Though they separated in the 1980s, the couple never officially divorced. Despite years apart, Dimple returned to care for him during his final illness, believed to be cancer, though the family never confirmed it. It was a bond that, while tested, wasn't entirely broken.
The Home That Held His Heart
Aashirwaad, his sea-facing bungalow on Carter Road, wasn't just a house; it was a part of him. In his later years, Rajesh Khanna dreamed of turning it into a museum, a space that would celebrate his cinematic journey. Even when offered Rs 150 crore, he refused to sell it.
According to The Times of India, his late-life partner, Anita Advani, later revealed that this museum was one of his greatest dreams. After his death, the house was demolished, and with it, a part of film history disappeared.
Rajesh Khanna died on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69. His story is a reminder that even the brightest stars can feel alone, and sometimes, their loudest moments are followed by the deepest silence.
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