Anita Advani, who claims to have been in a live-in relationship with Rajesh Khanna for several years, has recently shared details about her experiences with the late superstar, including his behavior when intoxicated. Advani alleges that Khanna, often hailed as Bollywood's first superstar, would become "aggressive" and "angry" after consuming alcohol and would sometimes "hit her playfully".
Advani described Khanna as a "difficult man to live with" when drunk, but "the best person to be around" when sober. She noted that after a drink or two, he could become rude, requiring her to understand his moods and manage him accordingly. In past interviews, Advani has admitted that initially, she would argue with him, but he advised her to remain quiet even when he was wrong, as anything could upset him.
In a recent interview with Avanti Films, Advani shared that Khanna lived alone for approximately 28 years after separating from his wife, Dimple Kapadia, until they found companionship. By 2004, they were reportedly living together, and their relationship continued until his death in 2012. Advani has described herself as Khanna's "surrogate wife," asserting that she managed his home, cared for him in his final years, and observed rituals for him.
Advani recalls instances when Khanna would hit her, to which she would respond in self-defense. She recounted, "He would sometimes hit me. So I would hit him back. That was my reflex action. He would complain that my nail cut him". This isn't the first time Advani has spoken about Khanna's temperament. During her participation in Bigg Boss 7 in 2013, she described him as a difficult person to live with when drunk.
Advani also revealed that Khanna's final year was challenging as his health deteriorated, impacting him both physically and emotionally. She mentioned that he began hallucinating and struggled to comprehend things, with doctors cautioning about his rapidly declining health.
Despite the challenges, Advani maintains that their relationship was legitimate. She shared that Khanna had given her a 'kada' (a sacred bangle) in front of a Balaji shrine as a symbol of acceptance. In another interview, Advani claimed that she and Rajesh Khanna were not only in a relationship but had also married privately.
After Khanna's death in 2012, Advani filed a legal case against his family, seeking maintenance and recognition of her relationship with the superstar. She also alleged being excluded from his funeral proceedings, further fueling public interest and controversy.
Anita Advani had a brief stint in Bollywood, with roles in films like "Daasi" (1981), "Aao Pyaar Karen" (1983), and "Saazish" (1988). In an interview with Mid-day, Advani recalled advising Khanna against participating in Bigg Boss, despite the substantial payment offered. She cited the show's demanding tasks and inadequate living conditions as reasons for him to decline.