‘Heavy drinking, silent pain’: Prem Chopra exposes how Rajesh Khanna struggled during Amitabh Bachchan’s explosive rise

Veteran actor Prem Chopra recently peeled back the curtain on a sensitive chapter in Hindi cinema. He spoke about watching superstar Rajesh Khanna struggle when the tide shifted and a new towering presence, Amitabh Bachchan, started dominating screens. And honestly, the picture he painted wasn’t glamorous at all.

According to Chopra, fame can be intoxicating, but the fall from the top is even more difficult to handle. He recalled how Khanna never openly spoke about his struggles, yet pain was visible to those around him. That silence said more than words ever could.

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When superstardom started slipping

Prem Chopra shared that when Rajesh Khanna’s career slowed down, the superstar didn’t discuss it openly. However, those close to him could sense what he was going through.

Chopra explained that it’s extremely hard for someone who has enjoyed unmatched stardom to suddenly accept a different position.

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He said Khanna found it difficult to digest failure after being at the top. The shift from being the biggest star to facing a slowdown weighed heavily on him. Chopra noted that such transitions affect many actors emotionally, especially when they compare what they once were to what they have become.

He also pointed out a worrying change. Khanna, who was already known to drink occasionally, began drinking more heavily during that period. Chopra remarked that this is not uncommon in the film industry. When actors face sudden dips in their careers, they sometimes turn to habits that worsen the situation. It becomes a struggle to accept the new reality, and not everyone handles it well.

The contrast that kept Amitabh Bachchan going

Prem Chopra then highlighted what made Amitabh Bachchan’s journey different. According to him, Bachchan adapted to changing times instead of resisting them. He accepted that he was no longer always the central hero of every film. Instead, he focused on playing strong, meaningful characters.

Chopra emphasised that Bachchan doesn’t try to carry an entire film on his shoulders anymore. He concentrates on the role he is given and makes it outstanding. This approach helped him remain relevant and popular even as the industry evolved.

He added that Bachchan started choosing central characters that may not always be traditional hero roles but still hold importance in the story.