Rajesh Khanna’s iconic Mumbai bungalow Aashirwad, symbol of his stardom, was sold for Rs 90 crore in 2014. Discover the untold story of fame, conflict, and legacy.
Rajesh Khanna’s legendary sea-facing bungalow, Aashirwad, was more than just a home—it was a symbol of his stardom and personal sanctuary. Built on Mumbai’s Carter Road, the property reflected the actor’s immense success in Hindi cinema. Acquired in the early 1970s from actor Rajendra Kumar for around Rs 3.5 lakh, Aashirwad became inseparable from Khanna’s public identity at the peak of his career.
The Shift in Rajesh Khanna’s Stardom
Author Gautam Chintamani, in Dark Star: The Loneliness of Being Rajesh Khanna, notes that Khanna’s dominance in Bollywood began to wane in the early 1970s. The release of Zanjeer in 1973 introduced Amitabh Bachchan as the “angry young man” of Hindi cinema. As Bachchan delivered blockbusters like Sholay and Deewar, Khanna’s professional and financial fortunes began to decline, creating pressures that would later impact personal decisions, including the fate of Aashirwad.
The Controversial Sale Proposal
Amidst speculation about selling the bungalow, Sohail Khan, brother of superstar Salman Khan, reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the property. Offers included clearing Khanna’s income tax dues, and Salman even offered to act in one of Khanna’s productions without a fee to facilitate the deal.
However, when screenwriter Rumi Jaffery conveyed the proposal, Khanna reacted with deep hurt. He perceived it as a personal affront, feeling that his home was being taken from him. Years later, Khanna reportedly addressed Sohail Khan directly, highlighting the emotional significance of the property.
Aashirwad’s Renaming and Posthumous Attention
After Rajesh Khanna passed away in 2012, Aashirwad continued to draw public attention. Around 2013, the bungalow was reportedly renamed Vardaan Aashirwad, a change confirmed by actress Dimple Kapadia. Reports suggested the renaming had vastu-related significance and aligned with Khanna’s wishes. Admirers continued to pay tribute outside the bungalow, honoring the legacy of India’s first superstar.
The Dream of a Museum and Legal Disputes
Rajesh Khanna had envisioned converting Aashirwad into a museum showcasing his life, including awards, personal belongings, and cars. After his death, legal disputes arose when alleged partner Anita Advani challenged the sale, claiming the property was to be preserved as a museum. Despite the controversy, the bungalow was eventually sold without altering Khanna’s legacy.
The Final Sale
In 2014, The Times of India reported that Aashirwad was sold for around Rs 90 crore to industrialist Shashi Kiran Shetty, chairman of Allcargo Logistics. Khanna’s daughters, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna, along with Dimple Kapadia, finalized the deal nearly two years after the actor’s demise.
Although Aashirwad changed hands, it remains an enduring symbol of Rajesh Khanna’s extraordinary rise, personal struggles, and cinematic legacy, forever etched in the hearts of fans.
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