The intense rivalry between Bollywood legends Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan reached a boiling point during the filming of “Namak Haraam,” leading to accusations of “dirty politics” and feelings of betrayal over a crucial climax change.
When Superstars Collide
In the 1970s, Hindi cinema saw a significant power shift. Rajesh Khanna, who had dominated the industry as its first superstar in the late 1960s and early 1970s, began to see his reign challenged by the rise of Amitabh Bachchan.
After Amitabh’s breakthrough with “Zanjeer” in 1973, the momentum clearly shifted in his favor. While Khanna continued to deliver hits, it became evident that Bachchan was emerging as the bigger star.
“Namak Haraam”: The Unofficial Battleground
The two actors had previously shared screen space in the iconic 1971 film “Anand.” When director Hrishikesh Mukherjee decided to cast them together again for “Namak Haraam,” it inadvertently became a point of contention.
Rajesh Khanna reportedly believed that Amitabh was actively working against him, influencing the director to alter the film’s climax to favor Bachchan’s character.
The Climax Controversy
Khanna, having experienced the powerful impact of his character’s death scene in “Anand,” was convinced that a similar poetic demise would leave a lasting impression on the audience in “Namak Haraam.” He insisted that his character should be the one to die, despite Mukherjee’s initial plans.
Writer Gulzar, in Yasser Usman’s book “Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of India’s First Superstar,” confirmed the change. He stated that the ending was indeed altered because Hrishikesh Mukherjee had promised the death scene to Rajesh Khanna.
Amitabh’s Feeling of Betrayal
Amitabh Bachchan, however, was reportedly unaware of this agreement. He only learned about the revised climax on the very day of the shoot.
Gulzar recalled Bachchan’s reaction, stating that he was “crestfallen” and deeply hurt by the revelation. Amitabh felt betrayed and did not speak to Gulzar for several days afterward.
Accusations of “Dirty Politics”
Prashant Roy, Rajesh Khanna’s secretary and associate for two decades, shed more light on Khanna’s feelings. In the same book, Roy revealed that Khanna was often “very angry” with Amitabh Bachchan during that period.
Khanna frequently confided in close friends, expressing his belief that Amitabh had “filled the ears” of Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who was otherwise his favorite director. Khanna explicitly accused Amitabh of playing “dirty politics” throughout the filming of “Namak Haraam.”
Roy also noted that Amitabh Bachchan never visited Khanna’s residence, Aashirwaad, during his 20 years with Khanna. Furthermore, Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s visits became rare after “Namak Haraam,” despite his earlier frequent presence.
- Rajesh Khanna believed Amitabh Bachchan influenced director Hrishikesh Mukherjee to change “Namak Haraam”‘s climax.
- Khanna insisted his character die in the film, a change confirmed by writer Gulzar.
- Amitabh Bachchan felt “betrayed” after discovering the climax alteration on the day of the shoot.
- Khanna’s associate confirmed Khanna’s accusations of “dirty politics” against Bachchan.
Following this strained collaboration, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan never shared the screen again. Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012 at the age of 69.
