'Now Look At The Same Man…': What Amitabh Bachchan Said At Rajesh Khanna's Funeral

Bollywood loves its success stories, but it remembers its rivalries even longer. Few clashes have stayed alive in public memory like the one between Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. Decades later, that tension still surfaces in quiet, emotional moments and second-hand memories from people who witnessed it up close. From a funeral silence to stalled film sets, the story of their rivalry continues to unfold through those who were there. When Stardom Began To Shift Rajesh Khanna ruled Hindi cinema at the turn of the 1970s, enjoying a level of fame no actor before him had seen. But the release of Zanjeer in 1973 changed the industry overnight. Amitabh Bachchan emerged as a powerful new force, and the balance of stardom began to tilt. Though they

were often seen as rivals, the relationship between the two actors was layered. There was competition, but also respect. Amitabh Bachchan’s presence at Rajesh Khanna’s funeral later became a reminder of that complicated bond. A Moment From The Funeral That Stayed Behind The most striking memory came from theatre owner and producer Manoj Desai, who recalled sitting beside Amitabh Bachchan during Rajesh Khanna’s final rites. Speaking to Vickey Lalwani, Manoj described the atmosphere at Khanna’s bungalow, where the family was waiting before taking the actor’s mortal remains to the cremation ground. “At Rajesh Khanna’s bungalow, his body had to be taken to the cremation ground, but his family was waiting for someone. At that time, Amitabh ji turned to me and said, ‘I had waited for 2 hours for this man on set, now look at the same man.’ I told him everyone will meet the same fate,” Manoj shared. The End Of A Superstar Era

Despite their massive popularity, the two actors never appeared on-screen together again after Namak Haraam in 1973. Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012 at age 69, while Amitabh continues to be a towering figure in Indian cinema. But for many fans and film historians, Namak Haraam remains the film that quietly ended a powerful onscreen partnership. Rajesh Khanna passed away on July 18, 2012, at the age of 69.