Rajesh Khanna's Journey to Stardom: How Bollywood's First Superstar Defeated 10,000 Aspirants Before His Debut

Before Rajesh Khanna became a household name and earned the title of Hindi cinema's first superstar, he had already made history. Known affectionately as 'Kaka', Rajesh Khanna's stardom in the late 1960s and early 1970s remains unmatched, with 17 consecutive hit films from 1969 to 1972. But few know that his journey began with a remarkable feat—defeating 10,000 contestants in a talent hunt.

In 1965, United Producers and Filmfare magazine organized a nationwide talent competition to find fresh faces for the silver screen. Among the ten thousand participants, it was Jatin Khanna—who later took the screen name Rajesh Khanna—who emerged victorious. This win marked the beginning of his legendary career.

He made his Bollywood debut in 1966 at the age of 24 with Aakhri Khat, directed by Chetan Anand. In the years that followed, Rajesh Khanna delivered unforgettable performances in classics like Anand, Aradhana, Kati Patang, Do Raaste, Haathi Mere Saathi, and Bawarchi, establishing himself as the heartthrob of the nation.

Even though he passed away in July 2012 at the age of 69 due to cancer, Rajesh Khanna's legacy lives on. His charm, mannerisms, and unmatched screen presence continue to inspire generations of actors and cinephiles alike.