Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore recently reminisced about her on-screen partnership with the legendary Rajesh Khanna in an interview with Subhash K Jha for the Free Press Journal. The duo, renowned for their impeccable performances in several iconic films, shared a unique camaraderie that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Reflecting on their collaboration in Aradhana (1969) — a film that catapulted both to unprecedented stardom — Sharmila revealed a personal milestone from that time. “Kaka (Rajesh Khanna) and I did many films together. We really worked well together. I was pregnant with Saif during Aradhana and with Soha when Kaka and I did Choti Bahu,” she shared.
Sharmila also discussed some challenges they faced on set. Known for his charm but not his punctuality, Rajesh Khanna often arrived late. She recalled, “Kaka and I had two major problems. He came much too late on the sets and our best profile on camera was the same. So when we were in the same frame together, Kaka and I were always trying to get the cameraman to shoot our right profile.” Despite these quirks, their performances together were seamless, winning the hearts of millions.
Aradhana, remembered for its evergreen songs like “Mere Sapno Ki Rani” and “Roop Tera Mastana,” not only solidified Rajesh Khanna’s status as India’s first superstar but also showcased Sharmila’s immense talent. The pair went on to star in other successful films such as Safar (1970), where they portrayed a couple grappling with a terminal illness, and Daag (1973), a poignant story of love and sacrifice.
Sharmila’s journey in cinema began at the young age of 13 with Satyajit Ray’s Apur Sansar (1959), where her portrayal of Aparna won critical acclaim. Transitioning to Hindi cinema, she made her mark with her debut film Kashmir Ki Kali in 1964, cementing her place as a versatile and celebrated actress.
Rajesh Khanna, whose career was defined by his magnetic presence and a string of box-office hits, passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69. Together, Sharmila and Rajesh Khanna’s contributions to Indian cinema remain timeless, celebrated for their chemistry and the magic they created on screen.
