Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rajesh Khanna's Influence Halted Dimple Kapadia's Promising Bollywood Debut
Rajesh Khanna's Influence Halted Dimple Kapadia's Promising Bollywood Debut
6 Aug
Summary
- Dimple Kapadia, 16, married Rajesh Khanna in 1973 after her debut film 'Bobby'
- Khanna convinced Kapadia to quit acting to focus on raising their children
- Kapadia returned to acting over a decade later, despite Khanna's initial objections
In 2025, the marriage between Bollywood stars Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia remains a topic of fascination. The two tied the knot in 1973, when Dimple was just 16 years old and fresh off the success of her debut film, 'Bobby'. However, rather than capitalizing on her newfound stardom, Dimple chose to step away from the limelight shortly after the wedding.
According to past interviews, Rajesh Khanna played a key role in Dimple's decision to quit acting. Khanna, who had no issues with his wife working, wanted Dimple to be a hands-on mother to their children. He admitted that he had not even seen 'Bobby' when he decided Dimple should not continue acting, as he prioritized having her at home. It wasn't until their first daughter was born that Khanna realized the extent of Dimple's talent.
Years later, Khanna's daughter Twinkle would question the double standard, noting that he was willing to let her act but had not extended the same opportunity to Dimple. Khanna acknowledged that had he seen 'Bobby' earlier, he may have made a different choice. Nonetheless, Dimple remained in the marriage for several years, devoting her time to raising Twinkle and Rinke Khanna.
By the early 1980s, the relationship had reportedly crumbled, and Dimple decided to walk out of the marriage. However, the two never officially divorced, and Dimple was by Khanna's side during his final years, as he battled cancer until his passing in 2012.
