Tribute To Rajesh Khanna: 11 Best Evergreen Films Of The Superstar

“Ae Babu Moshai, Zindagi aur maut uparwale ke haath hai. Usse na aap badal sakte hain na main.” 

On Rajesh Khanna's 5th death anniversary today, here we give a tribute to the legendary actor, remembering 11 of his greatest films. He was a fabulous personality who enwrapped everyone under his unique charm and dialogue delivery. Rajesh Khanna (original name Jatin Khanna) was the first Bollywood hero to be called as a superstar.  The years between 1969 and 1971 had been the golden period for Kaka with 15 consecutive super hits that too as a solo lead. 

#1. Aakhri Khat (1966)

This was Rajesh Khanna's debut film that initiated his remarkable film career. Aakhiri Khat was also submitted as India's official entry to the Oscars in 1967.

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#2. Aradhana (1969)

Producing super hit songs like Roop Tera Mastana and Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu, Aradhna stars Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. The film had also been voted as the best film of the year at the Filmfare Awards.

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#3. Do Raaste (1969)

Representing the story of a middle-class family, Do Raaste shows the troublesome lifestyle of the characters after their marriage. Being a big hit at the box office, this film produced chartbusters of all times including Ye Reshmi Zulfein, Bindiya Chamkegi and more.

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#4. Ittefaq (1969)

This Yash Chopra film was critically acclaimed for its performances and the well-written plot. It's a different one from other Rajesh Khanna movies. Ittefaq was a remake of the British Signpost to Murder. It won the Filmfare award for the Best Director category.

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#5. Kati Patang (1971)

Kati Patang had been the second amongst the nine films where Rajesh Khanna teamed up with director Shakti Samanta. The two of them brought about several likable movies. This film gave its audience a reason to relate their lives with. Amidst super hit tracks like Yeh Shaam Mastani, Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai, and Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai Mastaana Hota Hai, how can one forget this masterpiece!

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#6. Anand (1971)

Starring Rajesh Khanna along with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead roles, Anand is an evergreen film and the one that people still remember. It's one of the most-appreciated and inspiring movies of all times. Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the film portrays the life of a cancer patient (Rajesh Khanna) who accepts everything as it comes and lives it to the fullest.

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#7. Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)

Gathering favoritism by the younger audience, Haathi Mere Saathi gained a lot of recognition by the kids during the period of the 1970s. It ranked amongst the biggest ever hits of Rajesh Khanna. Making it to the highest box office collection, the film gave a turning point to Khanna's Bollywood career.

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#8. Amar Prem (1971)

Directed by Shakti Samanta, this movie is based on a Bengali story Nishipadma directed by Arvind Mukherjee. Starring Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore, Amar Prem is quite thought-provoking and is amongst the classics of those times. A village woman gets forcefully separated from her husband and is pushed into prostitution. Trying to survive, she forms inconspicuous yet strong connections with a wealthy yet lonely businessman (Rajesh Khanna). Amar Prem is the perfect depiction of a mature love story!

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#9. Bawarchi (1972)

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Bawarchi is a family entertainer starring Rajesh Khanna along with Jaya Bhaduri (now Jaya Bachchan). The movie focuses on the story of a young man who offers to work as a cook and gets instantly hired by a family. The cook, character played by Rajesh Khanna, becomes everyone's beloved and there is where the plot twist follows.

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#10. Namak Haraam (1973)

After Anand, Namak Haraam is Rajesh Khanna's second film with director Hrishikesh Mukherjee. Some powerfully rendered tracks were produced for the movie including Diye Jalte Hai Phool Khilte Hai and Main Shayar Badnaam. The film accompanied memorable melodies by Kishore Kumar picturised on our very own Rajesh Khanna.

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#11. Avtaar (1983)

Starring Rajesh Khanna and Shabana Azmi, Avtaar depicts how one can positively stay contended in their life even after several hardships. It shows how the man keeps fighting against all the odds. He struggles but never gives up and turns the worst into the best. Avatar was truly inspiring!

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Let us know which film is your personal favorite through the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!