How Rajesh Khanna Worked in Anand for Free and Ended Up Earning 10 Times More

On March 12, 2025, the renowned Bollywood film “Anand,” starring Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, celebrated its 54th anniversary, marking an important milestone in the film’s legacy and its enduring influence. In light of this occasion, we present to you some intriguing lesser-known facts about this cinematic classic.

Anand is a drama film from 1971, co-written and directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, with dialogues crafted by Gulzar. The film features Rajesh Khanna in the principal role, supported by a cast that includes Amitabh Bachchan, Sumita Sanyal, Ramesh Deo, and Seema Deo.

The film received numerous accolades, notably the Filmfare Award for Best Film. Anand is recognized as one of the 17 consecutive box office hits featuring Rajesh Khanna from 1969 to 1971. While it achieved moderate success at the box office, it has since developed a dedicated fan base and is celebrated as one of the finest Hindi films ever produced. Anand is one of only two films in which Khanna and Bachchan appeared together, the other being the 1973 film Namak Haraam, also directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee.

Rajesh Khanna, recognized as the inaugural superstar of Indian cinema, was the first to encounter the extraordinary phenomenon of superstardom, characterized by his unparalleled popularity and extensive fan following. From 1970 to 1987, he held the title of the highest-paid actor, achieving 15 consecutive box office successes before experiencing an unforeseen decline in his career. Interestingly, it is not widely known that despite his significant box office success, Rajesh Khanna did not accept any remuneration for his iconic 1971 film, Anand.

The producers reached out to him to play the lead role in Anand; however, they were unable to provide the substantial fee that Khanna typically received, owing to the film’s constrained budget. Nevertheless, Khanna was deeply touched by the script, the character of Anand, and the opportunity to collaborate with a skilled team, leading him to accept the role for a significantly reduced fee—reportedly, even without compensation.

A report indicates that Rajesh Khanna opted to obtain the distribution rights for the film Anand through his company, Shaktiraj Films, rather than receiving a standard paycheck. This decision proved to be exceptionally astute, as he ultimately earned ten times his typical fee due to the film’s remarkable success. His willingness to select projects based on their artistic merit and emotional resonance, rather than solely for financial reasons, cemented his status as one of the most iconic stars in Bollywood history.

Also Read: Why Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan Never Collaborated with Govinda?