The Untold Story: How Rajesh Khanna's Ego Halted a Film Over Amitabh Bachchan's Rising Star

In a fascinating revelation that peeled back the curtain on Bollywood's golden era, actor Rajat Bedi recently shared a gripping anecdote involving his illustrious father, director Narendra Bedi, and the legendary superstar Rajesh Khanna. The incident, recounted during a reality show, offered a rare glimpse into the intense professional rivalries that once shaped the Indian film industry, particularly between reigning monarch Rajesh Khanna and the emerging titan, Amitabh Bachchan.

Rajat Bedi disclosed that his father, Narendra Bedi, was at the helm of a film featuring none other than the 'Original Superstar,' Rajesh Khanna.

This was a period when Khanna's star power was unparalleled, and his charm held audiences captive. However, the dynamics of the film's production took an unexpected turn when Khanna discovered that Narendra Bedi was simultaneously collaborating with Amitabh Bachchan, contributing to the story and screenplay of Bachchan's upcoming film, 'Benaam.' While 'Benaam' eventually saw Narendra Bedi credited for its story and screenplay, the very notion of his director working with the rival star proved to be an insurmountable hurdle for Khanna.

According to Rajat Bedi, the news of this dual association triggered a significant professional setback.

Rajesh Khanna, known for his larger-than-life persona and, at times, considerable ego, reportedly ceased attending the film's shoot. The once bustling sets fell silent, and the production ground to a halt. Khanna's absence wasn't merely a delay; it was a silent protest, a stark indication of the simmering tensions and competitive spirit that defined the careers of these two cinematic giants.

This unforeseen turn of events ultimately led to the shelving of the film that Narendra Bedi was directing with Rajesh Khanna.

The project, which might have added another chapter to Khanna's illustrious filmography, was abandoned, becoming a casualty of the era's fierce star wars. It's a poignant reminder of how personal equations and professional rivalries often intertwined, sometimes dictating the fate of major cinematic ventures.

The anecdote vividly illustrates the immense pressure and emotional complexities inherent in the film industry, especially when two titans like Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan vied for supremacy.

Khanna, who had enjoyed unprecedented adulation, found himself navigating the dawn of the Bachchan era, a transition that, for many, was emotionally charged and challenging. Rajat Bedi's revelation not only sheds light on his father's professional journey but also provides valuable historical context to one of Bollywood's most talked-about rivalries, showcasing the human element behind the glitz and glamour of cinema.