The whirlwind romance between Rajesh Khanna, the reigning superstar of Bollywood, and Dimple Kapadia, a budding actress, captivated the nation in the early 1970s. Their marriage in March 1973, just before the release of Dimple's debut film Bobby, was a media frenzy. Dimple, only 16 at the time, was a huge fan of Rajesh, who was 30. For Dimple, marrying Rajesh was a dream come true, even more significant than her success.
However, the fairytale soon encountered turbulence. Rajesh, accustomed to being the center of attention, reportedly wanted Dimple to prioritize their household and his family over her acting career. According to veteran journalist Pooja Samant, Rajesh believed the ideal family structure involved the husband working while the wife managed the home. Dimple, who had tasted success with Bobby, reluctantly put her career on hold.
Years after their separation, Dimple recounted an incident that highlighted the power dynamics within their marriage. While shooting a film, Rajesh was unwell but had to greet the press from his balcony. Dimple, intending to help, suggested he show his side profile, which she felt was more flattering, and offered him her shawl and sunglasses. Rajesh responded sternly with, " Ab tum mujhe sikhayogi? " ("Now you will teach me?"). This incident, though seemingly minor, revealed Rajesh's unwillingness to accept advice or direction, even from his wife.
The couple's marital bliss faded, and reports of incompatibility and differing priorities surfaced. Rajesh's career also began to decline, adding strain to their relationship. They separated in the mid-1980s but never officially divorced. Despite the separation, Dimple maintained that Rajesh remained an integral part of her life.
In a 1985 interview, Dimple described the end of happiness in their home as coinciding with their marriage, hinting at inequality and infidelity. Despite the difficulties, Dimple never spoke ill of Rajesh and defended him when others tried to extract negative statements. She acknowledged his superstardom and the complexities of their relationship.
Even after their separation, their bond endured. They were seen together at functions, and Dimple supported Rajesh during his political career. In 1990, they even starred in a film together, Jai Shiv Shankar, though it was never released. When Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012 after a period of illness, Dimple was by his side, caring for him until his last breath. While Rajesh Khanna's will left his entire estate to his daughters, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna, and excluded Dimple Kapadia, she still held a special place in his heart. Their story remains a complex mix of love, stardom, heartbreak, and enduring respect.
