When Anju Mahendru revealed Rajesh Khanna criticised her for wearing skirts: 'He was orthodox'

The late Rajesh Khanna's complex relationships with Anju Mahendru, Dimple Kapadia, and Tina Munim captivated the public for years. The drama, marked by silence and unresolved emotions, was vividly detailed in a 1987 Screen magazine article. This eye-opening piece featured candid interviews with Mahendru, Kapadia, and Munim, along with Khanna's own reflections, as he sought to clarify and justify his choices.
Anju reflected on the discomfort of their first conversation after nearly 17 years apart.Both felt awkward, avoiding their old nicknames—she didn’t use 'Jatin' as she once did, and he refrained from calling her 'Nikki.' She also noted that using 'Kaka' would have felt overly dramatic.
Anju never yielded to the allure of Rajesh Khanna’s stardom. Despite his frequent attempts to impress her with film rushes, seeking praise, she remained candid. She believed in honesty over flattery, stating that she wasn’t inclined to flatter him simply to boost his ego, knowing he was sensitive to criticism while she was always straightforward.

Khanna confessed that he didn’t seek praise but merely a gesture of approval from Anju. Despite his fame, he valued her company above all. After work, he would become anxious if she wasn’t at the bungalow he had gifted her, even resorting to calling her friends to find her. He admitted, with a hint of bitterness, that while the world pursued him, he pursued her.Anju provided a glimpse into the complexities of Khanna’s character, portraying him as “a very orthodox man” who was paradoxically drawn to modern women. She noted the contradictions in their relationship, where his preferences conflicted with her choices. For instance, he would criticize her for wearing a skirt, yet disapprove when she donned a saree, reflecting the confusing nature of their dynamic.

Khanna's behavior with Dimple was equally perplexing, as he often ignored her despite her public admiration. Dimple noted that while everyone praised her beauty, Khanna never offered any compliments, making it seem as though he didn’t notice her at all. In a passive-aggressive gesture, Khanna even arranged for his wedding procession to pass by Anju’s house. Yet, Anju continued to show concern by checking on the success of his films. The Screen article highlighted the duality of Khanna’s nature, noting that his harsh moods contrasted sharply with his otherwise generous demeanor.
Renowned for his charismatic screen presence and distinctive style, Rajesh Khanna reached unmatched popularity at his peak, with his films frequently drawing packed houses. His romantic image and heartfelt performances won him millions of fans and earned him the affectionate nickname “Kaka.”