When Rajesh Khanna Made Girls Faint Like Dev Anand Did

In a candid conversation set to air on Indian Idol, legendary actress Asha Parekh looked back at the early days of Rajesh Khanna's superstardom. She explained that the first real sign of his massive appeal came when one of his films became an instant hit and triggered an unprecedented wave of female hysteria. Parekh compared this phenomenon directly to the earlier era of Dev Anand, noting that only those two actors had managed to create such frenzied reactions among young women. She described how fans would wait outside theaters and studios, sometimes managing to break into recording sessions just to catch a glimpse of their idol. One such incident occurred during the dubbing of Mere Sapno Ki Rani when around 200 to 300 girls stormed a small dubbing theater, sending everyone into a panic. The atmosphere turned electric the moment Khanna appeared. Co-judge Vishal Dadlani added historical context by pointing out that Khanna's influence extended beyond the silver screen. Even decades after his peak, a simple mention of Rajesh Khanna Garden in Santa Cruz still draws instant recognition from locals. Dadlani also recounted stories of Khanna's signature white car returning from public appearances covered in lipstick stains, tangible proof of the intense adoration he commanded throughout his illustrious career spanning six decades.