Rajesh Khanna wanted his house to become a museum

Mumbai: Superstar Rajesh Khanna’s last film ‘Riyasat’ will be released on his second death anniversary, on July 18. And while the film’s producers were keen on Dimple Kapadia or someone else from his family to help in the film’s promotions, no one seemed keen.

Ultimately it was Anita Advani, who had a live-in relationship with Rajesh Khanna from 2000, who extended her support to ‘Riyasat’. “I do not know whether Kakas’ family was asked to support his last film. But I am here to support it,” says Anita.

Talking about the past, Anita says that Rajesh Khanna’s house was in a sorry state when she moved it. “I was blamed for fighting a court case to get a pound from his Riyasat. And I am happy that his last film Riyasat is releasing.

“I remember how he designed his dress to play a don (in the film). He was excited to play the don. He had also dyed his hair golden though I was not for it. But Kaka was always very dominating.”

About the court case, Anita adds, “Me fighting a court case against the family is only one point. Kaka wanted to turn his bungalow into a museum. I had put my heart and soul to renovate the bungalow. Everything from the carpets to the walls were in a shabby, tattered and torn condition.”

She continues, “Kaka was a romantic at heart. We would both wear raincoats and walk down the road and also sit on the benches of Bandstand in the rain opposite his bungalow. As nobody would recognize us we would sit and enjoy the monsoon for hours together.”

“Our evenings would begin late and we would go on long drives in the wee hours of the night. I would always love to watch his films and his songs; contrary to my likings he never would allow me to watch his film. I remember I had a fight with him one evening when I wanted to watch Daag.”

Talking about his last days, Anita says, “His family members, who never visited him at all, tried to throw me out of the house during his last days. What hurt me the most was that earlier his family would talk to me nicely. But as soon as he fell sick, they tried to humiliate me. Kaka did not make his will. Nor has he given anything to me.”

“He decided to live with me because he could not get married to me. I accepted him as he was. However, one evening before we started the live in relationship, he had applied sindoor on my head. I considered him to be my other half. I am not interested in any property but yes, I want Ashirwad (Rajesh Khanna’s bungalow) to become a museum as it was his wish.

“I have full faith in Indian law. I have won my earlier cases and I am hopeful of winning finally too,” she says.

“I do not want to comment on Dimple Kapadia and his daughters who never visited him until he took to bed. But yes! I plan to pen my autobiography soon,” she concludes