Rajesh Khanna was known as India’s first true superstar and quite naturally, his life featured a fair share of highs and lows. His iconic sea-facing bungalow, ‘Aashirwad’ on Mumbai’s Carter Road was more than just a home. It was hailed as the “durbar” of a “monarch” who had ruled the Hindi film industry with 15 consecutive hits, as detailed in ‘Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna’ by Gautam Chintamani. Also revealed in the book is the heartbreaking financial decline and Kaka’s the fierce refusal to let go of his pride, even when Salman Khan offered a helping hand.
When Rajesh Khanna ruled like a king
The book also chronicles how in the early 1970s, after purchasing the bungalow from Rajendra Kumar for Rs. 3.5 lakh, Khanna had transformed it into a royal court. Producers would wait for hours outside, hoping for an audience. When “Kaka” finally emerged, he would sit on a chair placed higher than his guests to maintain the distinction between the king and his subjects. Inside, whisky flowed freely, and dissent was never tolerated; those who disagreed were theatrically banished from the “court.“
The arrival of Amitabh Bachchan as the “Angry Young Man” in 1973 signalled the end of the romantic superstar era. By the early 2000s, Khanna’s financial situation had turned dire. The Income Tax department reportedly served him a notice for unpaid dues exceeding Rs. 1.5 crore, and rumors began swirling that the superstar might finally have to part with his beloved ‘Aashirwad’.
When Salman Khan stepped in
Seeing the superstar’s struggle, Salman Khan reportedly reached out through screenwriter Rumi Jaffery. Salman’s brother, Sohail Khan, was interested in purchasing the property. To make the deal respectful, Salman offered to settle all of Rajesh Khanna’s outstanding Income Tax dues. Determined to finalize the deal, Salman Khan went as far as offering to star in a film produced by Rajesh Khanna without charging a single rupee.Despite the generous offer, Khanna reacted with “the fury of a wounded lion.” He felt betrayed that anyone would suggest he sell his sanctuary. According to Rumi Jaffery, Khanna shouted, “I consider you a son-in-law and you want to sell my house? You want to bring me to the streets!” Years later, Khanna even reportedly scolded Sohail Khan in person for the proposal.The late superstar often mused that even after his death, ‘Aashirwad’ would continue to stand forever as a monument to his stardom. In an ironic twist of fate, the Rajesh Khanna passed away in the bungalow in 2012. Notably, a few years later, the legendary structure was demolished to make way for a modern high-rise.
Salman Khan on the work front
Salman Khan is gearing up for the release of the war drama, ‘Battle of Galwan’ opposite Chitrangada Singh. The film is scheduled for a release on April 17, 2026. It has been directed by Apoorva Lakhia and bankrolled by Salman Khan Films.
