The name Rajesh Khanna, affectionately known as Kaka, conjures a myriad of tales within Bollywood lore. Accounts often paint a picture of a mercurial superstar, surrounded by an entourage, a man whose temper preceded him. Yet, for veteran actress Poonam Dhillon, her personal experience with the legendary performer diverged sharply from these well-circulated narratives. Instead of the difficult persona many described, Dhillon encountered an unexpectedly gentle, patient, and profoundly protective mentor.
Poonam Dhillon’s Childhood Glimpse of the Superstar
Long before she herself graced the silver screen, a young Poonam Dhillon, then merely in the eighth grade, had a fleeting encounter with the enigma that was Rajesh Khanna. She wasn’t deeply immersed in cinema at that tender age, so his peak stardom wasn’t something she witnessed firsthand. However, a school trip to a film set in Chandigarh etched a memorable image in her mind. “I once went to see a film shoot while I was in the eighth grade,” she recalled in a recent interview with ANI. “It was a BR Chopra film being shot in Chandigarh. Rajesh Khanna was there, and I think Vidya Sinha was his co-star.” This initial, distant observation set the stage for a connection that would blossom years later.
Defying Warnings: Navigating the Industry
Years passed, and Poonam Dhillon entered the demanding world of Indian cinema. By the time she was filming her third project, the warnings about Rajesh Khanna had become widespread. Industry insiders cautioned her, describing him as a challenging collaborator. However, these pre-conceived notions quickly dissipated once they began working together. “By the time I was doing my third film, people warned me about him — they said he was difficult to work with,” Poonam recounted. “But honestly, I never experienced any of that. He was never temperamental with me.” Her lived experience directly contradicted the prevailing whispers, painting a different facet of the iconic actor.
The Intense Challenge of Red Rose
Their professional paths converged notably on the sets of *Red Rose*, a psychological thriller that proved to be an immense trial for the budding actress. The role itself was complex and demanding, a significant undertaking for a newcomer. Adding to the pressure was the communication barrier with the film’s director, Bharathiraja, who spoke only Tamil. This linguistic divide left Poonam feeling profoundly isolated and unsure of her performance. “It was a tough role, and I was nervous,” she revealed. “The director, Bharathiraja, didn’t speak Hindi. He would talk to his assistant in Tamil, and I could never tell if he liked my look or my performance. I was terrified.”
Kaka’s Protective and Guiding Hand
It was in this atmosphere of intense anxiety that Rajesh Khanna emerged not as a distant star, but as an empathetic guide. Recognizing Poonam’s palpable fear and the daunting circumstances, Kaka stepped in to offer invaluable support. “But Kaka really helped me,” she emphasized, “he guided me through scenes and offered reassurance.” His presence transformed the daunting environment, providing a much-needed anchor. This wasn’t a mere professional courtesy; it was a genuine display of care, a testament to a rarely seen, gentle side of the superstar.
A Bond Beyond Colleagues
While their relationship never evolved into a typical friendship — he was, after all, a celebrated senior and she a young actress — a deep respect and familial warmth defined their interactions. Poonam Dhillon attributes this unique dynamic to Kaka having known her since her formative years. “I wouldn’t say we were buddies — he was very senior to me — but because he had seen me from such a young age, he treated me like a child,” she fondly shared. This protective instinct persisted throughout their collaborations, ensuring she always felt safe and supported on set, a treasured memory that defies the many complex narratives surrounding the eternal superstar, Rajesh Khanna.
