Rajesh Khanna 14th death anniversary: Anju Mahendru's emotional tribute
Synopsis
Fourteen years after Rajesh Khanna's passing, Anju Mahendru's simple three-word message — 'miss you my friend' — accompanied by a rare black-and-white photograph, speaks to a bond that outlasted romance and endured across decades. It is a quiet reminder that behind Bollywood's first superstar was a circle of real, lasting human connection.
Key Takeaways
Anju Mahendru paid tribute to Rajesh Khanna on his 14th death anniversary , 18 July .
She shared a black-and-white throwback photograph with the caption: 'Just keep counting the years!!!
14 years today... miss you my friend.' Khanna and Mahendru reportedly shared a close relationship from the late 1960s and remained friends after parting ways.
Born Jatin Khanna on 29 December 1942 , Rajesh Khanna is widely regarded as Hindi cinema's first superstar.
He passed away on 18 July 2012 at age 69 and was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2013 .
He is survived by daughters Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna .
Veteran actress Anju Mahendru marked the 14th death anniversary of late superstar Rajesh Khanna on 18 July with a heartfelt social media post, sharing a rare throwback photograph and a personal note that captured the depth of their decades-long friendship.
The Tribute Post
Mahendru shared a black-and-white photograph of herself alongside Khanna from their younger years. In the candid image, the two are seen deep in conversation — Khanna casually holding a cigarette, Mahendru looking at him with a warm smile. Alongside the picture, she wrote: 'Just keep counting the years!!! 14 years today... miss you my friend.'
A Bond That Outlasted Romance
Anju Mahendru and Rajesh Khanna reportedly shared a close personal bond that dated back to the late 1960s. The two were said to have been in a relationship for several years before eventually parting ways. Despite the separation, they continued to maintain a warm and cordial friendship over the following decades — a rare dynamic in the world of Hindi cinema.
The Man Behind the Superstardom
Born Jatin Khanna on 29 December 1942, Rajesh Khanna was adopted by relatives Chunnilal Khanna and Leelawati Khanna, who raised him in Mumbai. His biological parents were Lala Hiranand Khanna and Chandrani Khanna, according to reports. He went on to earn the distinction of being Hindi cinema's first superstar, riding an unmatched run of blockbusters in the late 1960s and early 1970s — among them 'Aradhana', 'Anand', 'Kati Patang', 'Amar Prem', 'Haathi Mere Saathi', 'Safar', and 'Namak Haraam'.
Legacy and Honours
Rajesh Khanna passed away on 18 July 2012 at the age of 69, following a prolonged illness. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan — India's third-highest civilian honour — in 2013. He is survived by his daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna. Fourteen years on, tributes from colleagues and fans continue to underscore how singular his place in Indian popular culture remains.
Point of View
Which tends to get overshadowed by the mythology of his stardom. Hindi cinema's first superstar is often remembered in superlatives; posts like Mahendru's restore the human scale.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 18 July significant for Rajesh Khanna?
18 July marks the death anniversary of Rajesh Khanna, who passed away on this date in 2012 at the age of 69 after battling prolonged health issues. 2026 marks the 14th anniversary of his passing.
What did Anju Mahendru post on Rajesh Khanna's death anniversary?
Anju Mahendru shared a black-and-white throwback photograph of herself with Rajesh Khanna from their younger days, accompanied by the caption: 'Just keep counting the years!!! 14 years today... miss you my friend.'
What was the relationship between Anju Mahendru and Rajesh Khanna?
The two reportedly shared a close personal bond dating back to the late 1960s and were said to have been in a relationship for several years. Despite eventually parting ways, they remained on cordial terms throughout their lives.
What is Rajesh Khanna's real name and background?
Rajesh Khanna was born Jatin Khanna on 29 December 1942. He was adopted and raised in Mumbai by relatives Chunnilal Khanna and Leelawati Khanna; his biological parents were Lala Hiranand Khanna and Chandrani Khanna, according to reports.
What awards and legacy did Rajesh Khanna leave behind?
Rajesh Khanna is widely recognised as Hindi cinema's first superstar, known for blockbusters including 'Aradhana', 'Anand', and 'Kati Patang'. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2013 and is survived by daughters Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna.
