Dimple Kapadia was once DENIED entry to Kaka’s bungalow

Rajesh Khanna, the first superstar of Indian cinema, ruled hearts in the 60s and 70s. His charm, popularity and larger-than-life stardom made him a household name. Fans would go crazy just to get a glimpse of him, especially outside his iconic bungalow, ‘Aashirwad’. But long before she became a famous actress and his wife, Dimple Kapadia was just another teenage fan, one who was once turned away from his very doorstep.

The day a young fan was denied entryAs reported by News 18, before entering the world of films, Dimplewas a regular school-going girl. She was a student at St Joseph’s Convent and, like many others of her time, deeply admired Rajesh Khanna. During the release of his 1970 film ‘Safar’, Dimple was so eager to watch it that she bunked her classes and went to the cinema.The film clearly made a strong impression on her. Afterwards, filled with excitement and admiration, Dimple headed straight to Rajesh Khanna’s home — the famous ‘Aashirwad’ bungalow — hoping to meet the superstar in person.

However, her hopes were dashed when the guards at the gate stopped her. She told them she was a huge fan and wanted to meet him. But the guards reportedly said that the ‘Anand’ actor wasn’t at home and asked her to leave.A surprise sighting and a confrontationJust as Dimple was about to walk away disappointed, she noticed a car entering the house. Out of the vehicle stepped Anju Mahendru, a model, fashion designer and actress who, at that time, was in a live-in relationship with Rajesh Khanna.Realising that the guards had lied to her, Dimple confronted them. But instead of allowing her to go in, they allegedly threatened to call the police. Faced with no choice, Dimple had to leave immediately. It’s a moment that stands out in the history of their relationship, a time when Dimple Kapadia, who would one day be Khanna’s wife, wasn’t even allowed to step inside his home.A star-studded weddingA few years later, in March 1973, life took a dramatic turn for both of them. Rajesh and Dimple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony. At the time, Dimple hadn’t even made her film debut. In fact, she got married just before the release of her first film, ‘Bobby’. The wedding created a huge buzz across the country. It was a union of India’s biggest male superstar and a fresh young face soon to become a star herself.Trouble in paradiseBut despite the grand beginning, the marriage wasn’t smooth. Problems began to show after Rajesh Khanna became involved with Tina Munim, a budding actress at the time. This affair created tensions in the couple’s relationship. Eventually, in 1984, Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia separated. However, they never officially divorced. Despite the separation, the two maintained a respectful and friendly relationship.They were often seen together at social events, political rallies and other public occasions, showing the world that even though their marriage didn’t work out, they still cared for one another. Their bond remained intact till the very end. Even after years of being apart, Dimple was by Khanna’s side during his final days.He passed away on 18 July 2012 at his home, ‘Aashirwad’ — the same place where, years ago, a young Dimple was once turned away. The story had come full circle.