# From Rejection to Family: The Epic Tale of Akshay Kumar and Rajesh Khanna **Imagine waiting 4 hours in a crowded studio, heart pounding with dreams of Bollywood stardom, only to be turned away by the industry's first superstar.** That's exactly what happened to a young, ambitious Akshay Kumar when he auditioned for Rajesh Khanna's 1990 film *Jai Shiv Shankar*.[1][2][3] Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood's original heartthrob known for hits like *Anand* and *Amar Prem*, was producing and casting for *Jai Shiv Shankar*, which already starred his then-wife Dimple Kapadia and Jeetendra. Eager to launch his career, Akshay rushed to the audition, joining a line of hopeful newcomers. He waited patiently for 3-4 hours, but when his turn came, Khanna had left—too busy to meet him. The role ultimately went to Chunky Pandey.[1][2][3][4] But fate had a twist. Dimple Kapadia, spotting the dejected newcomer, pulled him aside for an encouraging pep talk: keep pushing, don't give up. Little did anyone know, this rejection was the start of something legendary. Akshay debuted as a lead in *Saugandh* (1991) and skyrocketed to fame as Bollywood's "Khiladi." Fast-forward to 2001: he married Twinkle Khanna, Rajesh and Dimple's daughter, becoming the superstar's son-in-law. Their enduring marriage has produced two kids—Aarav and Nitara—and countless family anecdotes.[1][2] Years later, Rajesh Khanna warmed to Akshay, playfully warning Twinkle (Tina) in a resurfaced video: "Keep a check on him, but don't pull the reins too tight that they break." He affectionately called Akshay "Hera Pheri wala aadmi"—the mischievous funnyman from comedy capers.[6] It's a reminder that Bollywood's biggest bonds often bloom from unexpected roots. This throwback story shows resilience pays off—rejection today can lead to family forever. Hollywood might call it irony; Bollywood calls it *kismat*.
Citations
1.https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/when-akshay-kumar-waited-to-meet-rajesh-khanna-for-4-hours-but-the-actor-denied-to-meet-him-for-this-reason/
2.https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/rajesh-khanna-refused-to-meet-akshay-kumar-who-came-to-audition-for-his-film-jai-shiv-shankar-article-111829708
3.https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/when-akshay-kumar-waited-for-hours-to-meet-rajesh-khanna-but-couldnt/
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ygn7hqdS0E
5.https://khabriaunty.wordpress.com/2012/08/20/what-akshay-kumar-did-for-rajesh-khanna/
6.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/when-rajesh-khanna-warned-daughter-twinkle-khanna-against-akshay-kumar-hera-pheri-wala-aadmi-hai-woh/articleshow/117610213.cms
7.https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/dimple-kapadia-recalls-son-in-law-akshay-kumars-prank-on-her-about-meeting-sonia-gandhis-53018
8.https://www.filmibeat.com/bollywood/flashback/2022/throwback-did-you-know-rajesh-khanna-once-turned-down-meeting-akshay-kumar-for-this-reason-345078.html
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