Before the world knew him as India’s first superstar, Rajesh Khanna was just Jatin Khanna, a privileged yet restless young man from a wealthy Punjabi family. Born in Amritsar in 1942, Jatin was adopted by his childless uncle, Chunnilal Khanna, and aunt, Leelavati. He grew up in luxury but also under the heavy shadow of overprotection.
From an early age, Jatin was fondly called “Kaka” by family and close friends—a nickname that would later follow him even in stardom. His schooling in St. Sebastian’s, Bombay, and his college days in Pune’s Wadia College reveal a young man with little interest in academics but a deep love for acting, costumes, and drama. His best friend at the time? None other than Ravi Kapoor, who the world would later know as Jeetendra.
Despite driving to auditions in a sports car and receiving generous pocket money from home, Jatin was far from a spoiled struggler. His dedication to theatre and performance stood out, eventually earning him recognition in Bombay’s theatre circuit. His most significant break came in 1965, when he won Filmfare’s prestigious talent hunt, opening the doors to Bollywood.
Jatin Khanna originally wanted to debut with the name Jeetendra, but the name had already been claimed by his friend Ravi and according to multiple sources, including jansatta.com, the success of Shashi Kapoor’s film ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’ (1965), where the lead was also named Jatin, that’s why forced him to consider a unique identity.
He didn’t choose the name Rajesh alone. Some say it was suggested by his uncle K.K. Talwar; others believe it was his father or elder brother who helped finalise it. But one thing is sure: once Jatin Khanna became Rajesh Khanna, there was no looking back. The new name gave him a royal screen identity—”Rajesh”, meaning king of kings—and soon, even his real name faded from public memory.
Years later, in an old interview, Rajesh Khanna admitted that his childhood had been overly pampered. He described his upbringing as “spoiled” and acknowledged that he had been given too much freedom. Perhaps this is why he felt the need to rebuild himself—to leave Jatin behind and fully become Rajesh, the superstar the world came to adore.
Years later, in an old interview, Rajesh Khanna admitted that his childhood had been overly pampered. He described his upbringing as “spoiled” and acknowledged that he had been given too much freedom. Perhaps this is why he felt the need to rebuild himself—to leave Jatin behind and fully become Rajesh, the superstar the world came to adore.
