Rajesh Khanna, fondly remembered as India’s first superstar, ruled Bollywood like royalty in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At the peak of his stardom, Khanna was not just a movie star but a cultural phenomenon, commanding unmatched fan frenzy and industry power. His iconic bungalow, Aashirwad, located in Mumbai, became a symbol of this reign—an address that stood for success, authority, and near-mythical stardom. However, as fortunes shifted and a new star rose, Khanna’s life took a dramatic turn, pushing him into a severe financial crisis that nearly cost him his most prized possession.
In his book Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna, author Gautam Chintamani describes Aashirwad as nothing less than a palace. Purchased by Khanna from actor Rajendra Kumar for just ₹3.5 lakh, the bungalow soon transformed into the epicentre of Bollywood power. Producers, directors, and industry insiders would line up daily, waiting for hours to get a glimpse of the superstar. Chintamani writes that Aashirwad had a legendary “durbar,” where Khanna would hold court like a monarch, keeping filmmakers waiting endlessly before granting them an audience.
Khanna’s conduct inside Aashirwad reinforced this regal image. According to Chintamani, the actor would appear dressed in silk lungi-kurta, seated on a chair deliberately placed slightly higher than everyone else’s. The positioning, the author notes, was symbolic—clearly distinguishing between the “king” and his “subjects.” For years, Khanna embraced this aura of supremacy, fully aware of his unmatched popularity and the devotion he inspired.
The bungalow also witnessed nights of lavish revelry. Chintamani recalls endless parties where guests were treated to copious amounts of whisky, music, and celebration. Those present sang praises of “King Kaka,” basking in the reflected glory of Bollywood’s biggest star. Aashirwad, during those years, was not merely a home—it was a throne room.
However, the tides of Hindi cinema began to shift dramatically in 1973 with the release of Zanjeer, which marked the rise of Amitabh Bachchan as the new face of the “angry young man.” Gradually, audiences began to move away from Rajesh Khanna’s romantic hero image. Films stopped working at the box office, offers dwindled, and the superstardom that once seemed eternal began to fade.
As his professional fortunes declined, Khanna found himself facing mounting financial troubles. According to Chintamani, the crisis grew so severe that Khanna was forced to consider selling Aashirwad—a decision that symbolised just how far the mighty star had fallen. It was during this difficult phase that Salman Khan’s family reportedly expressed interest in purchasing the iconic bungalow.
Through screenwriter Rumi Jaffery, Salman Khan reached out to Rajesh Khanna. Khanna was informed that Salman’s brother, Sohail Khan, was keen on buying Aashirwad. Chintamani writes that the Khan family made several lucrative offers to ease the deal. In an attempt to sweeten the proposal, they even offered to settle Khanna’s income tax dues. Salman Khan reportedly went a step further, offering to work in a Rajesh Khanna production free of cost.
Despite the generosity of the offer, the proposal deeply angered Khanna. The author reveals that Khanna had an emotional reaction when he learned of the Khans’ interest. Matters escalated further because Khanna allegedly wanted Rumi Jaffery to marry one of his daughters, considering him family rather than a mere intermediary.
When Jaffery conveyed the Khans’ proposal, Khanna reportedly lost his temper. “I consider you a son-in-law aur tu mera ghar bikwana chahta hai… Sadak par lana chahta hai!” Khanna reportedly told Jaffery, accusing him of trying to push him onto the streets. The outburst reflected Khanna’s wounded pride and his inability to accept the idea of parting with Aashirwad.
Jaffery later admitted that he had a hard time explaining his position, insisting that he was “merely a postman delivering Sohail Khan’s message.” The incident highlighted the emotional turmoil Khanna was going through—a former king struggling to reconcile with changing times and fading glory.
Though Rajesh Khanna ultimately did not sell Aashirwad during that phase, the episode remains a poignant reminder of how fleeting stardom can be. From ruling Bollywood like a monarch to facing financial uncertainty, Khanna’s journey underscores the loneliness and vulnerability that often lie behind the glamour of superstardom.
