Veteran actor Rajesh Khanna, known as the “First Superstar” of Indian cinema, was once offered a staggering ₹3.5 crore per episode to appear on the reality show Bigg Boss. Despite the lucrative offer, Khanna initially refused, believing that such a show was not suited to his stature. However, he later changed his mind and expressed interest in participating, only to find that the show’s producers had lost interest by then.
Journalist Ali Peter John, a close friend of Khanna, recounted the incident in a 2012 interview. Ali shared how Khanna dismissed the idea at first, only to regret it later. Despite his declining health, Khanna’s larger-than-life personality and wise investments allowed him to live in luxury, with his iconic bungalow renovated to resemble a palace.
Rajesh Khanna, who passed away in July 2012, left behind a legacy as one of the most successful actors in Indian cinema. His career was marked by memorable films like “Do Raaste,” “Sachaa Jhutha,” and “Aap Ki Kasam.” Posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, Khanna’s influence on Indian cinema remains unparalleled.