Rajesh Khanna Family Tree: The Story Behind Bollywood's First Superstar

Jatin Khanna, known as Rajesh Khanna (1942–2012), born 29 December 1942 in Amritsar, Punjab, British India, and died 18 July 2012 in Mumbai, was Bollywood's first superstar — coined the term itself; 15 consecutive solo blockbusters (1969-1971) — records still unmatched; 169 films; iconic Aradhana (1969), Kati Patang (1970), Anand (1971), Amar Prem (1972), Namak Haraam (1973), Roti (1974), Aavishkaar (1974), Aap Ki Kasam (1974); 3 Filmfare Best Actor; Padma Bhushan (2013 posthumously).

The Family's Roots: An Amritsar Punjabi Family (Adopted)

Rajesh Khanna's biological parents were replaced by his uncle and his wife.

His Biological Parents

Biological Father: Lala Hiranand Khanna — Amritsar; brother of adoptive father.

Biological Mother: Chandrani Khanna.

His Adoptive Parents

Adoptive Father: Chunni Lal Khanna — Amritsar businessman; adopted Jatin at birth.

Adoptive Mother: Leelawati Khanna.

His Wife: Dimple Kapadia

Dimple Kapadia, born 8 June 1957 — Bollywood actress (Bobby, Sagar, Rudaali). Married Rajesh on 27 March 1973 (age 15 at time of marriage). Separated 1982; never legally divorced. Reconciled at Rajesh's death 2012.

Their Daughters

Twinkle Khanna, born 29 December 1974 — daughter; former Bollywood actress; author (Mrs Funnybones); married to Akshay Kumar.

Rinke Khanna, born 27 July 1977 — daughter; former Bollywood actress; married London banker Sameer Saran.

The Khanna Family Tree at a Glance

Biological Father: Lala Hiranand Khanna.

Biological Mother: Chandrani Khanna.

Adoptive Father: Chunni Lal Khanna — businessman.

Adoptive Mother: Leelawati Khanna.

Wife: Dimple Kapadia (b. 8 June 1957; m. 27 March 1973; sep. 1982) — never legally divorced.

Daughters: Twinkle Khanna (b. 29 December 1974) — married Akshay Kumar; Rinke Khanna (b. 27 July 1977).

Son-in-Law: Akshay Kumar (b. 9 September 1967) — Bollywood A-lister.

Grandchildren: Aarav (b. 2002) and Nitara (b. 2012) — via Twinkle and Akshay Kumar.

Rajesh Khanna:

  • Born 29 December 1942, Amritsar
  • United Producers Talent Hunt Contest 1965: won from 10,000+ entries; got debut
  • Aakhri Khat (1966) — debut
  • 1969-1971: 15 consecutive solo blockbusters — Bollywood's first superstar
  • Aradhana (1969) — career-defining hit; began the "Kishore Kumar era" of playback for Rajesh
  • 3 Filmfare Best Actor awards
  • Popularity gradually declined after 1976 (Amitabh Bachchan's rise)
  • Congress MP for New Delhi 1992-96
  • Padma Bhushan: 2013 (posthumous)
  • Died: 18 July 2012, Mumbai — cancer at 69

What the Khanna Family Story Teaches Us

An adoption by uncle at birth. Biological parents in the same family. A wife who was Bollywood's face at 15 — separated in 1982 but never divorced, reunited at his 2012 death. Two daughters, one married to Akshay Kumar. A career that made him Bollywood's first-ever superstar — the term coined for him.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Rajesh Khanna story carries the same lesson. Some careers coin their own descriptor: "superstar".

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.