Rajesh Khanna’s Legendary Arrogance and His Fall from Stardom: Insights from a BBC Documentary
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/23rd August 2024
Rajesh Khanna, the iconic Bollywood star of the 60s and 70s, was once the epitome of fame and success in Indian cinema. Known for his charismatic screen presence and prolific career, Khanna’s story took a dramatic turn as captured in the 1973 BBC documentary Bombay Superstar. This film provided a rare glimpse into Khanna’s personal and professional life, revealing both his towering arrogance and the early signs of his eventual downfall.
The documentary, narrated by BBC journalist Jack Pizzey, portrays Khanna as a figure of immense charisma combined with a sense of arrogance that bordered on the extraordinary. Pizzey describes Khanna as possessing “the arrogance of Napoleon,” reflecting on his experience of waiting five days to secure an interview with the superstar. This delay was a testament to Khanna’s reluctance to adhere to schedules and his disregard for the time of others.
The film opens with Pizzey’s commentary on the unique status of film stars in India. He notes that, unlike their Western counterparts, Indian film stars are revered to an extraordinary degree. In India, where the film industry is a massive cultural phenomenon, stars often achieve a level of fame that makes their names unnecessary on posters. This adoration is exemplified in Khanna’s larger-than-life persona, which made him a compelling subject for the documentary.
Pizzey’s account highlights the frustration of film crews waiting for Khanna, who, despite his undeniable talent, was notorious for his habitual lateness. The documentary captures the tension on set as director Hrishikesh Mukherjee and his team repeatedly adjusted schedules and dialogue due to Khanna’s delays. Mukherjee, who was shown waiting patiently, explained that while the delays were inconvenient, the low cost of labor in India mitigated the financial impact.
The documentary also delves into Khanna’s personal life, documenting Pizzey’s multiple failed attempts to interview him. Khanna’s residence was described as a “temple to himself,” where the journalist encountered numerous obstacles. Pizzey narrates his experience of being turned away at the gate of Khanna’s home and waiting in the opulent yet isolated outhouse decorated with accolades and magazines about the star. Despite several appointments, Khanna failed to show up, forcing Pizzey and his crew to endure prolonged periods of waiting.
The latter part of Bombay Superstar shifts to Khanna’s professional struggles. The documentary tracks Khanna’s visit to a film set in Kashmir, where his tardiness continued to be a significant issue. As Khanna faced increasing criticism over his recent film failures and felt snubbed at the Filmfare awards, his once unassailable career began to show cracks. This period marked the beginning of Khanna’s decline from his previously unrivaled stardom.
The BBC documentary offers a poignant look at the complexities of Rajesh Khanna’s life, blending his once-majestic presence with the human frailties that led to his downfall. It serves as a powerful reminder of how even the most celebrated figures are not immune to the challenges of fame and the inevitable shifts in their careers.
