Twinkle Khanna, known for her witty and sharp comebacks, has never shied away from defending her loved ones—especially when it comes to her late father, the legendary Bollywood actor Rajesh Khanna. In a fiery response on social media, Twinkle took aim at veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah after he publicly slammed her father’s acting abilities and intellect, calling Rajesh Khanna a “poor actor” and blaming him for the “mediocrity” of Hindi films in the 70s.
Shah’s Scathing Comments on Rajesh Khanna
The controversy began in 2016 when Naseeruddin Shah, an acting legend in his own right, made critical comments about Rajesh Khanna’s influence on Hindi cinema in an interview with Hindustan Times. He claimed that Khanna, despite being a superstar, lacked intellectual depth and was responsible for a decline in film quality during that era. Shah remarked, “For all his success, I think Mr. Khanna was a very limited actor. His taste ruled the industry, and mediocrity followed.”
These comments didn’t sit well with many, especially Twinkle Khanna, who felt Shah’s critique was uncalled for, given that her father was no longer alive to defend himself.
Twinkle’s Fiery Response
Twinkle took to social media to hit back at Shah, tweeting, “Sir, if you can’t respect the living, at least respect the dead. Mediocrity is attacking a man who can’t respond.” Her sharp words resonated with her followers, many of whom supported her for standing up to what they considered an unnecessary attack on her late father’s legacy.
A Complicated Relationship, But Unwavering Loyalty
Twinkle Khanna’s relationship with her father, Rajesh Khanna, had its ups and downs. Raised by her mother, Dimple Kapadia, after their separation, Twinkle and her sister Rinke moved out of Rajesh Khanna’s house at a young age. Despite this, Twinkle maintained a bond with her father and even supported him during his later years. She was present at his funeral in 2012 and has always defended him in public, even while acknowledging their complex relationship.
In interviews, Twinkle has often been candid about her father’s impact on her life, both as a celebrity and as a person. She shared how she never felt compelled to write a biography about him, stating that she prefers stories with layers and depth, something she feels is missing when writing about a single person.
Industry Criticism and Rajesh Khanna’s Legacy
Rajesh Khanna, often referred to as the first superstar of Bollywood, faced his fair share of criticism during his time at the top. Known for his arrogance and insecurities, especially towards fellow actor Amitabh Bachchan, Khanna’s professional and personal life was often under scrutiny. But despite these criticisms, Khanna’s impact on Hindi cinema cannot be denied. His superstardom in the 70s remains unmatched, with fans still cherishing his films and remembering him as a cinematic icon.
Twinkle and Dimple: A Strong Mother-Daughter Bond
Twinkle’s unwavering support for her father, despite their complicated history, is a testament to her strength and loyalty. Her mother, Dimple Kapadia, has often praised Twinkle for her maturity and resilience, especially during tough times. In a 2019 event, Dimple spoke highly of Twinkle’s support during her separation from Rajesh Khanna, calling her daughter a “rock” who was always by her side.
A Daughter’s Defense
Twinkle Khanna’s bold defense of her father against Naseeruddin Shah’s harsh critique speaks volumes about the bond she shared with her late father. While Rajesh Khanna may have had his share of detractors, Twinkle’s response proves that she will always stand by his legacy, protecting his memory from criticism that, in her view, is not only unwarranted but also unfair to a man who can no longer defend himself.