Somy Ali recalls Rajesh Khanna's forehead kiss and chocolate gift
Synopsis
On Chocolate Day, Somy Ali revealed that a forehead kiss and a chocolate bar from Rajesh Khanna — received when she was just seven — became one of her most treasured memories. The story is a rare personal window into the warmth of Bollywood's first superstar, who passed away in 2012 and was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2013.
Key Takeaways
Somy Ali shared the memory on Chocolate Day , recalling meeting Rajesh Khanna when she was around seven years old .
Khanna kissed her on the forehead and gave her a chocolate bar , a gesture she says she still thinks of whenever she eats chocolate.
Rajesh Khanna is widely considered the first superstar of Hindi cinema and passed away at age 69 in Mumbai.
He was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2013 , India's third-highest civilian honour.
Ali said she prefers dark chocolate and keeps Fridays as her dedicated cheat day.
Somy Ali on Chocolate Day revisited a childhood encounter with Bollywood's first superstar, Rajesh Khanna, describing the moment as one she has carried with her for decades. The actress-turned-activist said she was around seven years old when she met the legendary star, whose warmth left an indelible mark on her.
The Memory That Stayed
'Yes, I have one very special memory. When I was around seven years old, I met the legendary actor Rajesh Khanna. He was incredibly warm and kind. He kissed me on my forehead and gave me a chocolate bar. I still remember that moment so clearly — it felt magical,' Ali said. She added that for a young girl, receiving chocolate from a superstar of his stature made the gesture unforgettable. 'Even today, whenever I eat chocolate, that childhood memory quietly comes back to me,' she said.
Who Was Rajesh Khanna
Rajesh Khanna is widely regarded as the first superstar of Hindi cinema, having delivered an unbroken run of solo hits in the early 1970s that no actor before him had managed. He passed away at his Mumbai residence at the age of 69. In 2013, the Government of India posthumously conferred on him the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema.
On Chocolate as Comfort
Ali also reflected on the broader emotional resonance of chocolate. 'I think it's beautiful that something as simple as chocolate can bring comfort. Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes we all need a small moment of sweetness — whether we're celebrating or trying to lift our mood,' she said. She described chocolate as 'a little pause' that does not solve problems but offers a moment of relief on difficult days.
Her Chocolate Preference
Ali described herself as 'definitely a chocolate person' who reserves Fridays as her cheat day. Her preference is dark chocolate, which she finds 'rich without being overly sweet.' She said she avoids very milky or sugary varieties, calling dark chocolate 'more balanced.' She added that she tries to be mindful but believes there is nothing wrong with allowing oneself small joys.
Point of View
And personal anecdotes like Ali's keep that legacy tactile rather than archival. What is worth noting is the occasion — Chocolate Day — which has become a reliable hook for celebrity reminiscence cycles. Ali's pivot from actress to activist makes her an unusual voice in this space, and her willingness to surface a simple, unguarded memory cuts against the curated nostalgia that dominates Bollywood PR. The anecdote humanises Khanna at a moment when his legacy is largely preserved in film retrospectives rather than living memory.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rajesh Khanna do when Somy Ali met him as a child?
Rajesh Khanna kissed Somy Ali on the forehead and gave her a chocolate bar when she was around seven years old. She has described the encounter as magical and says the memory returns to her every time she eats chocolate.
Why is Rajesh Khanna called Bollywood's first superstar?
Rajesh Khanna delivered an unprecedented consecutive run of solo box-office hits in the early 1970s, a feat no Hindi film actor had achieved before him. He is widely regarded as the first superstar of Hindi cinema.
What honour did Rajesh Khanna receive after his death?
Rajesh Khanna was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2013, India's third-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema. He passed away at his Mumbai residence at the age of 69.
What is Somy Ali's chocolate preference?
Somy Ali prefers dark chocolate, which she describes as rich without being overly sweet. She keeps Fridays as her cheat day and says she tries to be mindful about indulging in moderation.
When did Somy Ali share this memory?
Somy Ali shared the recollection on Chocolate Day, observed on 7 July, using the occasion to reflect on how a childhood encounter with Rajesh Khanna gave chocolate a lasting emotional significance for her.
