Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan: Unseen Collaborations Beyond Anand and Namak Haram

While many are aware of the iconic on-screen pairing between Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in films like Anand and Namak Haram, there were other occasions where the two superstars appeared on screen together, albeit in less prominent roles. One such instance was in the 1981 film Kahaani Kismat Ki, where their collaboration was a bit more subtle.

Kahaani Kismat Ki (1981)

Kahaani Kismat Ki, directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, was a blockbuster that saw both Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan in minor roles. Though their roles were less significant than in their previous collaborations, they did share screen space together, further solidifying their status as the kingpins of the Indian film industry during that era.

Both Anand and Kahaani Kismat Ki were blockbusters directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, ensuring a high audience turn-out for their films. The third proposed film which they were to work on was notably rejected by Amitabh Bachchan out of a fear for the excessive popularity of Rajesh Khanna, showcasing the tremendous impact of their collaborations.

Interestingly, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan had a notable presence in Manmohan Desai's hit film Naseeb (1980), where Amitabh was the lead actor, and this collaboration was marked by a famous baijnath sequence with the song John Jaani Janardan. In this movie, Rajesh Khanna played a cameo role, as did other stars like Raj Kapoor, Randhir Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Simple Kapadia, Waheeda Rehman, Rakesh Roashan, and Mala Sinha. The song was filmed at the prestigious R K Studios, and it celebrated the golden jubilee of cinema, famously featuring the 'Dharamveer' trophy. The song was a celebration of the golden jubilee of Dharamveer, a film production house, whose trophies could be seen in the background.

Rajesh Khanna's Cameo in Naseeb (1980)

The cameo appearance in Naseeb wasn't the only instance where Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan appeared together. In 1980, Amitabh Bachchan would arrive for the mahurat (starting) and success parties of the film Chhailla Babu Dharam Kanta, while Rajesh Khanna would do the same for the film Desh Premee Mahaan. Both actors would also go on to give interviews for the renowned Movie Magazine in 1990 and pose for photos together.

Their professional bond extended beyond these films as well. From 1989 to 1992, they attended several award functions and film gatherings together, and this camaraderie was celebrated even in the international realm at events like the IIFA in 2009.

Conclusion

Beyond Anand and Namak Haram, Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan found ways to collaborate in lesser-known roles, cementing their legacy in the annals of Indian cinema. These collaborations, though not as celebrated at the time, are remembered as a testament to the chemistry and respect between two of the most influential figures in the industry.

Images Courtesy: Google and Personal Collection