Veteran Actor Tej Sapru Recalls On-Set Clash and Verbal Abuse by Rajesh Khanna
Bollywood's legendary first superstar, Rajesh Khanna, commanded a level of unprecedented adulation and fan hysteria that the Indian film industry had never witnessed before. However, along with his unmatched box-office dominance, tales of his towering ego and intense mood swings frequently made headlines in film circles. Shedding light on this golden era, veteran actor Tej Sapru recently opened up in a candid interview, sharing a lesser-known behind-the-scenes anecdote involving an unexpected on-set clash and verbal abuse by the late superstar, while also highlighting the complex duality of his personality.
"Stardom Makes You Arrogant": Tej Sapru on Rajesh Khanna's Peak Years
Working alongside some of the biggest names in Hindi cinema throughout his career, Tej Sapru reflected on what it was like to share screen space with Rajesh Khanna during the peak of his superstardom. In an insightful interview with Rediff, Sapru acknowledged that success at that astronomical level naturally brought an air of arrogance. He noted that while the actor himself was caught in the whirlwind of superstardom, the sycophants and entourage surrounding him often exacerbated the attitude. Yet, in the same breath, Sapru balanced his critique by noting that despite his flaws, he had rarely encountered a more inherently generous soul.
The On-Set Clash: When 'Kakaji' Lost His Temper
Recalling a specific, uncomfortable incident from their time working together, Tej Sapru narrated an episode where Rajesh Khanna hurled verbal abuses. Sapru recounted that while on set, he suddenly heard someone cursing behind his back. Upon turning around, he was shocked to discover that it was none other than Kakaji himself launching into a tirade.
Given that Tej Sapru’s father, the legendary character actor D.K. Sapru, shared a deep and respectful working relationship with Rajesh Khanna, the young actor held immense regard for the senior star. Consequently, being subjected to unprovoked profanity deeply hurt and upset Sapru, leaving a lasting sting that created an immediate rift between the two co-stars.
How Rajesh Khanna Cleared the Air in Kashmir
The tension between the two actors persisted for a while, particularly during an outdoor shooting schedule in Kashmir, where they completely stopped speaking to each other. However, the ice was eventually broken when Rajesh Khanna himself took the initiative to resolve the dispute and clear the air.
Sapru recalled that the superstar walked up to him, broke the silence with his characteristic charm, and said, "Hey, tall boy... forget it." When Sapru confronted him, asking why he had hurled abuses for no apparent reason, Khanna brushed it aside with a casual attitude, telling him to let the past go and inviting him back to the hotel. That impromptu gesture patched up their professional relationship, leaving Tej Sapru with a complex yet unforgettable memory of working alongside Bollywood's original phenomenon.
