Rajesh Khanna’s bunglow almost caused a fall out between him and Salman Khan’s family. Here’s how much Aashirwad was sold for, in 2014

Aashirwad was far more than a residential address for Rajesh Khanna; it stood as a reflection of his unmatched success and deeply personal refuge. The sea-facing bungalow on Mumbai’s Carter Road was acquired in the early 1970s from actor Rajendra Kumar for approximately Rs 3.5 lakh. At the height of his reign as Hindi cinema’s first true superstar, Khanna took immense pride in the home, which soon became inseparable from his public identity. Over time, however, the same bungalow would also become the centre of emotional conflict and controversy.

The Turning Tide of Rajesh Khanna’s Career

Author Gautam Chintamani, in his book Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna, detailed how the actor’s unchallenged dominance began to wane in the early 1970s. The release of Zanjeer in 1973 marked the arrival of Amitabh Bachchan as the new face of Hindi cinema’s angry young man. As Bachchan followed up with blockbusters such as Sholay and Deewar, the industry’s spotlight gradually shifted. Despite repeated attempts to revive his position, Rajesh Khanna was unable to regain the immense popularity and wealth that once defined his career, a decline that also brought financial pressures in his later years, as noted by Chintamani.

Rumours, Financial Strain, and an Unwelcome Proposal

As Khanna’s professional fortunes dipped, speculation began circulating that he might part with Aashirwad. According to Chintamani’s account, this was when Sohail Khan, brother of Salman Khan, reportedly expressed interest in purchasing the bungalow. The proposal was said to have been communicated through screenwriter Rumi Jaffery, whom Salman Khan contacted to relay the family’s interest. The Khans were allegedly prepared to make generous offers, including clearing Khanna’s Income Tax liabilities, and Salman even offered to work in a Rajesh Khanna production without charging a fee to ensure the deal materialised.

Aashirwad as an Emotional Battleground

When Rumi Jaffery passed on the proposal, Rajesh Khanna’s response was intense and deeply hurt, as documented in Dark Star. Jaffery recalled that Khanna reacted like a proud but injured figure, questioning how such a suggestion could even be made. Khanna reportedly felt betrayed, believing the idea implied pushing him out of his own home. Jaffery later clarified that he had only acted as a messenger, yet the damage was done. The book further mentions that Khanna later reprimanded Sohail Khan directly when they crossed paths years afterward, making it clear how deeply personal the matter remained for him.

Renaming Aashirwad After the Superstar’s Demise

Even after Rajesh Khanna’s passing in 2012, Aashirwad continued to draw public attention. About a year later, reports emerged that the bungalow had been renamed, with Vardaan added as a prefix. Media buzz suggested that the change aligned with Khanna’s final wishes and had a vastu-related significance. Dimple Kapadia confirmed the name alteration to PTI, stating that while the change had indeed taken place, the reasons behind it were private. Despite his absence, admirers continued to gather outside the bungalow, paying homage to the legend who once lived there.

The Museum Dream and Legal Disputes

According to reports, Rajesh Khanna had envisioned transforming Aashirwad into a museum dedicated to his life and legacy. The proposed space was meant to showcase his personal belongings, including signature kurtas, awards, cars, and treasured memorabilia. After his death, controversy arose when his alleged partner Anita Advani was reportedly evicted from the property by the actor’s family. She challenged the sale of the bungalow, claiming that Khanna’s last wish was to preserve it as a museum. However, the dispute eventually subsided without altering the property’s fate.

The Final Sale and Legacy of Aashirwad

As reported by The Times of India in 2014, Aashirwad was sold for approximately Rs 90 crore. Khanna’s daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna, the sole beneficiaries of the property along with Dimple Kapadia, finalised the sale nearly two years after their father’s demise. Though Aashirwad changed hands, it remains etched in public memory as a powerful symbol of Rajesh Khanna’s extraordinary rise, personal struggles, and enduring legacy in Indian cinema.