The personal life of legendary actor Rajesh Khanna has once again grabbed headlines following fresh revelations by Anita Advani, who spent years by the superstar's side. Opening up about the actor's turbulent marriage, she claimed that the iconic star was keen to legally part ways with his wife, but the divorce never materialized due to stiff resistance and steep demands from the other side.
Marriage and Separation of Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia
Rajesh Khanna tied the knot with Dimple Kapadia in the year 1973. At the time of their wedding, Dimple was only 16 years old. The couple welcomed two daughters together, Twinkle Khanna and Rinke Khanna. However, marital discord soon surfaced, leading to their separation in 1982. Despite choosing to live apart and walking separate paths, the two never opted for an official legal divorce throughout their lives.
The Bond Between Rajesh Khanna and Anita Advani
Following his growing distance from his family, Rajesh Khanna entered into a relationship with Anita Advani. The two eventually moved in together and shared a domestic life under the same roof for nearly a decade. This companionship lasted until the actor passed away in 2012. Anita remained a constant presence in his life through his final moments, a chapter that later brought her into the public spotlight.
Claims Regarding the Unofficial Split
Discussing the dynamic between the actor and his estranged wife in an interview with Meri Saheli, Anita Advani stated that Rajesh Khanna had repeatedly expressed a desire to grant a divorce. According to her, the actor often wondered why a separation was being blocked when the couple and their children had long stopped living together under one roof, rendering the institution of marriage a mere formality.
The Condition Behind the Refusal
Elaborating on the deadlock, Anita Advani claimed that Rajesh Khanna sought a divorce as many as ten times, but it was continuously denied. She alleged that the condition put forward for the divorce was that the actor would have to sign over all his assets and property. Left isolated and navigating life on his own terms, Anita pointed out that while the actor possessed a complex personality, maintaining a legal marriage when companionship was absent made little sense.
Legal Battle and Court Verdict
Seeking recognition for her decade-long companionship and her rightful share, Anita Advani had approached the judiciary after the actor's death. She filed an appeal in the Bombay High Court, urging the court to legally validate her live-in relationship with the superstar. However, the legal battle concluded when the Bombay High Court dismissed her petition on April 1, 2026.
