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Dimple Kapadia and Rajesh Khanna’s marriage was one of Bollywood’s most talked-about relationships—filled with love, challenges, and an eventual separation, yet never legally ending in divorce.
A Whirlwind Romance and an Early Exit from Films
In 1973, at just 16 years old, Dimple Kapadia became an overnight sensation with her debut film Bobby, directed by Raj Kapoor. The film cemented her place in Bollywood, but before she could build on her newfound stardom, she married Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood’s first superstar, and stepped away from acting.
Reports suggest that Rajesh Khanna did not want Dimple to continue her film career after marriage. He reportedly refused a lucrative ₹5 lakh offer for her to star in a film. Years later, after their separation, Rajesh candidly admitted that he had made this decision without even watching Bobby.
His reasoning? He wanted Dimple to focus on raising their daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna, and did not want them to be brought up by nannies or servants.
Rajesh Khanna on His Marriage with Dimple Kapadia
In a 1990 interview with Movie Magazine, Rajesh Khanna clarified that he had no problem with his wife working in films. However, he strongly believed that Dimple’s primary role should be as a mother.
"I had no problems about my wife working. But when I married Dimple, I wanted a mother for my children. I didn’t want them to be brought up by servants. And I had no idea of Dimple’s talent; Bobby was still not released."
Despite their separation in 1982, Rajesh Khanna always maintained that their bond was unbroken. In an old interview, when asked about the possibility of reuniting with Dimple, he emphasized that they had never legally divorced, as it was her decision not to file for one.
Reflecting on marriage, Rajesh Khanna viewed it as a sacred bond rather than just a legal or social contract. He once said:
"Aaj ke is modern zamaane mein yeh institution thoda outdated sa lagta hai kaafi logon ko. Kyunki kuch log kehte hain, kuch log chupate hain. Kuch log isliye nahi kehte kyunki dusra koi dayra nahi hai. Kuch isliye nahi keh paate kyunki ye jo bandhan hai woh todna nahi chahte."
(In today’s modern era, many people may see this institution as outdated. Some express their feelings openly, while others keep them hidden. Some remain silent because they have no alternative path, while others choose silence because they don’t want to break this bond.)
Dimple Kapadia’s Reflections on Marriage and Career
Dimple Kapadia has been equally candid about her rollercoaster journey in both Bollywood and her personal life.
In an old interview with India Today, she admitted that she had been too young to fully understand the impact of Bobby. She recalled that from the moment she stepped into Rajesh Khanna’s home, Ashirwad, she had a premonition that their marriage might not work out.
However, after a long hiatus, she made a successful comeback to Bollywood with Saagar (1985), proving her talent and resilience.
A Relationship That Lasted Beyond Separation
Though Dimple and Rajesh Khanna separated in 1982, they never officially divorced. Their marriage remained intact until Rajesh Khanna’s passing on July 18, 2012, after his battle with cancer.
Despite their differences, their story remains one of unconventional love, respect, and an unspoken bond—a relationship that went beyond the norms of marriage but never truly ended.
