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Rajesh Khanna Struggled During Amitabh Bachchan’s Rise, Says Prem Chopra

| Updated: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 11:34 [IST]

A revealing account from Prem Chopra sheds light on one of Bollywood’s most dramatic transitions. As Amitabh Bachchan rose to superstardom, Rajesh Khanna reportedly struggled to cope with fading dominance–silently battling the shift. In an exclusive interview to senior journalist Vickey Lalwani.

Prem Chopra Revisits Bollywood’s Turning Point
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Prem Chopra Revisits Bollywood’s Turning Point

Veteran actor Prem Chopra has opened up about a defining phase in Hindi cinema–the transition from Rajesh Khanna’s superstardom to Amitabh Bachchan’s dominance. His candid remarks offer a rare glimpse into the emotional toll that came with shifting fame.

Rajesh Khanna’s Silent Struggle
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Rajesh Khanna’s Silent Struggle

According to Prem Chopra, Rajesh Khanna never openly discussed his career slowdown. However, those close to him could sense the internal turmoil. Moving from being Bollywood’s first superstar to facing declining success was not easy to accept.

“Failure Was Hard to Digest”
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“Failure Was Hard to Digest”

Chopra noted that Khanna found it difficult to come to terms with his changing position. The actor, once at the peak of stardom, reportedly struggled to process the fall. This emotional strain, Chopra suggested, is common among actors who experience sudden shifts in popularity.

Turning to Alcohol During Tough Times
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Turning to Alcohol During Tough Times

One of the more concerning revelations was Khanna’s increasing dependence on alcohol during that phase. While he had been a social drinker earlier, Chopra revealed that the habit intensified as his career slowed down–reflecting the pressure and emotional weight he carried.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Key Difference
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Amitabh Bachchan’s Key Difference

Drawing a comparison, Prem Chopra highlighted Amitabh Bachchan’s adaptability as a defining factor in his sustained success. Unlike Khanna, Bachchan embraced change, accepting diverse roles instead of holding onto the traditional hero image.

Adapting to Changing Cinema Trends
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Adapting to Changing Cinema Trends

Chopra explained that Bachchan’s willingness to evolve with time kept him relevant. By focusing on strong character roles rather than leading-man dominance, Amitabh carved a second innings that resonated with audiences across generations.

Struggles Before Stardom: Bachchan’s Journey
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Struggles Before Stardom: Bachchan’s Journey

Interestingly, Chopra also recalled Amitabh Bachchan’s early struggles, including approaching filmmaker Yash Chopra for work during difficult times. His discipline, punctuality, and commitment to craft eventually set him apart in the industry.

Industry Pressures Then and Now
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Industry Pressures Then and Now

Reflecting on the industry, Chopra emphasized that emotional highs and lows are part of stardom. He noted that coping mechanisms differ, but resilience and adaptability often determine longevity in Bollywood.

Prem Chopra on Modern Cinema & ‘Dhurandhar’ Success
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Prem Chopra on Modern Cinema & ‘Dhurandhar’ Success

Shifting to present-day cinema, Chopra acknowledged the success of films like Dhurandhar, which has crossed ₹3000 crore globally as a franchise. While he praised performances by Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, he also noted the increasing trend of action-heavy storytelling.

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