Rajesh Khanna at a Glance
Rajesh Khanna was born on 29 December 1942 in Amritsar, Punjab, British India, and passed away on 18 July 2012 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He was an Indian film actor, producer, and politician, widely recognized as the first superstar of Hindi cinema. His age at key life stages can be calculated from these confirmed dates: he was 24 at his film debut in 1966, turned 50 in 1992, and was 69 at the time of his death in 2012.
Confirmed Biographical Timeline
Birth and Early Life
Rajesh Khanna was born on 29 December 1942 in Amritsar. He was raised in a middle-class family and moved to Mumbai for education and career opportunities. Details of his schooling and early influences are part of the foundational context for understanding his later stardom.
Career Launch and Breakthrough
Khanna entered films with "Aakhri Khat" in 1966. His breakout role came with "Aradhana" in 1969, which established him as the Hindi cinema superstar. His age at debut was 24, and within three years he became the industry’s dominant male lead.
Peak Stardom and Commercial Success
From the early 1970s to the mid-1980s, Rajesh Khanna was synonymous with box-office leadership. He starred in a high volume of films, many of which were multi-million rupees grossers. His screen persona and fan following defined the commercial Hindi cinema landscape of that era.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 29 December 1942 | Birth Certificate / Biographies |
| Place of Birth | Amritsar, Punjab, British India | Biographical Records |
| Film Debut | 1966 (Aakhri Khat) | Film Databases |
| Major Breakout | 1969 (Aradhana) | Industry Records |
| Date of Death | 18 July 2012 | Obituary / News Reports |
| Age at Death | 69 years | Calculated from birth and death dates |
| Age at Film Debut | 24 years | Calculated |
| Primary Era of Stardom | 1970s–mid-1980s | Box-office Records |
Age Calculations at Key Milestones
Using the confirmed birth date of 29 December 1942, we can state his age at notable events with precision. This removes ambiguity and supports factual references across timelines.
- 1966 (film debut): 24 years old
- 1969 (Aradhana): 26 years old
- 1975 (peak commercial era): 32 years old
- 1992: 50 years old
- 2012 (death): 69 years old
Professional Roles and Contributions
Beyond acting, Rajesh Khanna engaged in production and political service. He produced films under his banner and served as a Member of Parliament, reflecting a transition from cinema to public service. His versatility across domains is a notable dimension of his legacy.
Industry Influence and Public Perception
Khanna’s persona set benchmarks for romantic heroes and matinee idols. His fan clubs and public appearances were milestones in Bollywood culture. Industry peers often referenced his work ethic and screen presence as formative influences on subsequent generations of actors.
Clarifying Common Points of Confusion
Birth Year and Age Discrepancies
Some unofficial sources may cite alternate birth years; however, authoritative records including birth certificates and biographies confirm 1942. Age estimates should be verified against these primary sources to ensure accuracy.
Post-Death References
After his death in 2012, discussions about his age refer to his age at death (69) or his birth year (1942) when retrospective tributes are published.
Enduring Legacy
Rajesh Khanna remains a pivotal figure in Hindi cinema history. His trajectory from a young debutant in 1966 to a defining superstar in the 1970s informs ongoing scholarship on star power, audience engagement, and industry evolution. Reliable data points support continued research into his filmography, cultural impact, and socio-political involvement.