MUMBAI: Known by his stage name "Kaka," Rajesh Khanna was one of the biggest stars in the Hindi film industry. His distinct style, charm, and outstanding performance made him the star of the show. He launched a lucrative career that lasted for more than 40 years.

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In addition to his career achievements, he was well-known for his love affairs with prominent actors and for his personal life. Even after his passing on July 18, 2012, the rumours about his relationships are still being reported in the media. The most intriguing aspects of his life, though, are his marriage to Dimple Kapadia and his friendship with Anju Mahendru, his ex-girlfriend.

Actress and model Anju Mahendru is said to have dated Rajesh Khanna for seven years, from 1966 to 1972. While Anju was having trouble making a name for herself, Rajesh Khanna was delivering hits one after the other and solidifying his place as one of the nation's biggest stars. They were in a committed live-in relationship and had a close bond. Rajesh Khanna begged her to give up her profession because he wanted to marry her. But when she refused, their relationship broke down.

Rajesh Khanna first saw Dimple Kapadia before the premiere of her first movie, while they were attending a play in Ahmedabad, following their breakup with Anju Mahendru. In 1973, following several meetings, the pair tied the knot. He was questioned about their age difference in an interview with Stardust because Dimple was only 16 and he was 31 at the time of their marriage. The celebrity from the 1970s disclosed a key reason for their relationship in his response. He said that he separated himself from Anju Mahendru by finding comfort in his marriage to Dimple Kapadia. Dimple helped him break free from the cycle of reconciliation, which was keeping him stuck even after he ended his relationship with Anju.

Khanna revealed, “I married Dimple on the rebound and Tina was a balm on my wounds.”

Dimple once revealed the reason of their separation, “It was my first encounter in life with failure. When a successful man goes to pieces, his frustration engulfs the entire surroundings. It was a pathetic sight when Rajesh waited at the end of the week for collection figures but the people didn't have the guts to come and tell him. Both Rajesh and I were unable to accept the failure of our marriage.”

Rajesh and Dimple however never got divorced. In April 1982, Twinkle and Rinke, Dimple Kapadia's two daughters, departed Rajesh Khanna's house. The couple separated, but they never obtained a formal divorce. For reasons that are best known to her, the celebrity disclosed that Dimple was not prepared to grant him a divorce. Dimple believed that Rajesh Khanna, the father of her daughters, played a significant role in her life at the same time. The pair kept in touch, and Dimple supported him in his last moments. At the same time, Anju was with him during his final days of illness.

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Credit-BollywoodShaadis