Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of His Delhi Bungalow
From political triumphs to private rituals, Lodi Estate’s iconic bungalow preserves memories of Bollywood’s first superstar.
Mumbai, Dec 31 : Nestled just five to seven minutes from India Gate, Lodi Estate’s Bungalow No. 81 holds a unique place in Delhi’s history, as well as in the heart of Bollywood legend Rajesh Khanna. After winning the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat in a 1992 by election, Khanna was allotted the bungalow, which became his residence during his tenure from 1992 to 1996. In that memorable election, he defeated his Bollywood colleague Shatrughan Sinha, creating a historic contest that captured national attention.
Although Delhi has changed dramatically since then, and Khanna has passed away, memories of the superstar linger in the capital. Shatrughan Sinha, who has since moved from the BJP to Congress and now to Trinamool Congress, is reminded of Khanna whenever he passes through the city.
The 1992 by election was highly charged, with Congress fielding Khanna and BJP nominating Sinha after L.K. Advani vacated the seat. While the outcome did not affect the central government, the political atmosphere was electrified by the media spotlight on the two Bollywood stars. Sympathy for Khanna, who had narrowly lost to Advani in 1991, also played a role.
Senior journalist Rama Kant Goswami recalls, “Advani ji won, but Rajesh Khanna won people’s hearts. In his first attempt, he worked tremendously hard. In areas like Minto Road and Gol Market, he surged ahead.” Actress Dimple Kapadia actively campaigned for him. Khanna’s victory, however, strained his friendship with Sinha. According to accounts, Khanna never spoke of the election or Sinha at gatherings in Bungalow No. 81.
Though he lived in Lodi Estate for only four years, Khanna’s presence left a lasting mark. He installed a Lord Ganesha statue at the rear of the house, bowing to it whenever he entered or exited, often using the back entrance. Friends remember a regal lifestyle: marble interiors, luxury cars in the garage, and hospitality that made guests feel welcomed and valued.
Close friend Dr. J.P. Sharma ‘Laldhagewale’ says, “Kaka was full of life. Every guest was offered tea and snacks. He had the bungalow lavishly renovated like a five-star residence.”
Before moving to Lodi Estate, Khanna resided in Som Vihar and Vasant Kunj. The bungalow had previously been allotted to Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, and later, in 1996, to BJP leader Pramod Mahajan. Despite hopes of being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, Khanna never returned to the bungalow after leaving Delhi, a disappointment that lingered with him.
Khanna’s connection to history was also personal. On May 20, 1991, he helped Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi at the Nirman Bhawan polling booth. The next day, upon Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, Khanna collected a photograph of the moment, enlarged it, and hung it in his drawing room a testament to his deep emotional ties and respect for leaders he admired.
Bungalow No. 81 thus stands not just as a residence but as a silent witness to Rajesh Khanna’s political journey, personal rituals, and the charisma that made him India’s first true superstar.
