More than a decade after the passing of India’s first superstar, Rajesh Khanna, his long-time companion Anita Advani has broken her silence on the “emotional and legal turmoil” she has faced since 2012. In a candid interview with Vickey Lalwani on February 14, 2026, Advani clarified that her ongoing legal battle is not about a “payday” but about the respect she feels was stripped away following Khanna’s death.
Key Revelations: Respect, Property, and the “Hidden” Will
Advani, who lived with the superstar at his iconic bungalow, Aashirwad, from 2004 until his death, made several startling claims:
- The Vanishing Bungalow: She acknowledged that while the demolished Aashirwad “cannot come back,” she seeks the financial means to maintain the “dignified lifestyle” she shared with Khanna.
- The Disputed Will: Advani claimed she has never been shown the actor’s will, despite being aware that it supposedly contained provisions for multiple people. She continues to challenge the probate (legal validity) of the will in the High Court.+1
- “Dignity Over Cash”: Responding to critics who label her a “gold digger,” she stated: “It’s not money. It’s also my respect. I want to live the way I lived… I have a right to do that.”
The 2026 “Book Sabotage” Scandal
Advani revealed that her attempt to tell her story through a self-published book was “heavily sabotaged” recently.
- The AI Blunder: In a bizarre editorial error, the publisher reportedly used generative AI to “fix” the text, resulting in Rajesh Khanna’s name being changed to “Rakesh Khanna” throughout the book.
- Content Removal: She alleged that critical parts of the introduction were removed without her consent before the book hit the digital stands on Khanna’s birthday.
A Timeline of the Legal Battle (2012–2026)
| Year | Event | Details |
| July 2012 | Rajesh Khanna Passes Away | Advani is reportedly “dis-housed” from Aashirwad by the family; security prevents her from attending the funeral. |
| 2013 | The DV Case | Advani files a complaint under the Domestic Violence Act against Dimple Kapadia, Twinkle, Rinke, and Akshay Kumar. |
| 2015 | Court Setback | The Bombay High Court quashes the proceedings against the family, stating they did not share a household with Advani. |
| 2025 | “Secret Wife” Claim | In an interview with Meri Saheli, Advani claims they were privately married in a ceremony where Khanna applied sindoor. |
| Feb 2026 | The Status Quo | Advani confirms her legal pursuit continues in the High Court, fueled by a Supreme Court observation that earlier orders against her “held no weight.” |
Industry “What-Ifs”: The Raj Kapoor Connection
During the interview, Advani also shared a historical anecdote: Raj Kapoor originally wanted to cast Rajesh Khanna in Satyam Shivam Sundaram. However, she claims the legendary filmmaker’s sons (including Rishi and Randhir Kapoor) “protested” against casting an outsider, leading to Shashi Kapoor taking the role instead—a decision Rishi Kapoor later admitted to regretting in his autobiography.