Rajesh Khanna Initially Hesitant to Star in Aradhana, Film Became Major Success

The 1969 film Aradhana, which launched Rajesh Khanna's stardom, was nearly rejected by the actor who found it heroine-oriented. Filmmaker Shakti Samanta initially planned a project with Shammi Kapoor but shifted to Aradhana after Kapoor's delay and Rajesh Khanna's contract with United Producers. The story, narrated by Sachin Bhowmik and recalled by Samanta after a decade, convinced him to proceed. Despite challenges, including a hesitant lead and production hurdles, the film became a major commercial success.