Mumtaz drops shocking truth about Rajesh Khanna's love life. 'He would have been still alive today if he...'

Veteran actress Mumtaz, an icon of beauty and grace in Hindi cinema, recently opened up about the bittersweet stories behind the glittering façade of Bollywood’s golden era. Known for her electrifying on-screen chemistry with Rajesh Khanna in blockbusters like Do Raaste, Roti, Bandhan, Prem Kahani, and Aap Ki Kasam, the actress reflected on the superstar’s real-life relationships, particularly with her close friend, Anju Mahendru.

Dismissing long-standing rumours of a rivalry with fellow star Sharmila Tagore or any romantic link with Rajesh Khanna, Mumtaz set the record straight in a candid chat with Vickey Lalwani. She revisited the turbulent end of Rajesh and Anju’s enduring relationship, which shocked many in the industry. Having seen the bond between them firsthand, Mumtaz believed Anju was a grounding force in Rajesh’s life, someone who genuinely cared for his well-being, even during his final years.



Despite the heartbreak of being left behind when Rajesh married a much younger Dimple Kapadia, Anju never spiralled into bitterness. Mumtaz recounted how her friend stayed composed and dignified, choosing to carry on rather than dwell in sorrow. The veteran actress even expressed, “...Kaka may have still been alive if he had stayed with Anju.”

About Anju and Rajesh Khanna’s relationship

Anju Mahendru and Rajesh Khanna’s relationship began in 1966 and lasted through many ups and downs. Anju supported him during his rise to superstardom, even managing his home, Aashirvad. However, Rajesh’s possessiveness and interference in her career led to friction. After Anju rejected his 1971 marriage proposal, rumours linked her to cricketer Gary Sobers. Tensions peaked when Dimple Kapadia entered the scene, leading to a confrontation at Rajesh’s party. Soon after, Rajesh proposed to Dimple, and the two married in 1973 despite their large age gap. Anju and Rajesh’s romance ended, but its intensity left a lasting legacy.

Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia marriage

Rajesh Khanna, at the age of 31, married the 15-year-old aspiring actress Dimple Kapadia in March 1973, just months before her debut film Bobby hit theatres in September that year. The couple had two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke. They got separated in 1982.