Why Rishi Kapoor Hated Rajesh Khanna: The Untold Story of Dimple Kapadia and the Ring

Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia made their Bollywood debut together in 1973 with Bobby, a film that became an instant hit and catapulted both young actors to fame. While their on-screen chemistry charmed audiences, an off-screen incident involving Dimple Kapadia and Rajesh Khanna led to a fallout between Rishi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna. Years later, Rishi himself revealed the surprising reason for the tension.

The Beginning of Tensions: Dimple’s Romance with Rajesh Khanna

Before Bobby was even released, Dimple Kapadia was romantically involved with superstar Rajesh Khanna. Their relationship surprised many, given the significant age gap between them—Dimple was 15 years younger than Khanna. Despite the age difference, their romance blossomed, and soon after, Dimple married Rajesh Khanna. However, this relationship had unintended consequences for her friendship with Rishi Kapoor.

Rishi, who was possessive of his debut co-star, felt a deep attachment to Dimple, though he had no romantic intentions toward her. In a later interview, he admitted that he felt a sense of protectiveness over her as she was the heroine of his first film. When Rajesh Khanna entered the picture, Rishi’s bond with Dimple took a hit.

The incident that ultimately drove a wedge between Rishi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna involved a ring. Rishi had once received a ring from his then-girlfriend Yasmin, which he later gave to Dimple as a token of friendship. However, when Rajesh Khanna noticed the ring while proposing to Dimple, he reportedly took it away from her and discarded it. Rishi was deeply hurt by this gesture and viewed it as an act of disrespect.

In a candid interview with journalist Barkha Dutt, Rishi Kapoor spoke about his disappointment, explaining that while he wasn’t romantically interested in Dimple, he was possessive of her as his debut heroine. The incident with the ring marked a turning point in his relationship with Rajesh Khanna, and Rishi found it difficult to forgive Khanna for what he saw as interference in his bond with Dimple.

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The strained relationship between Rishi Kapoor and Rajesh Khanna continued for years, even as both actors reached new heights in their careers. While Rishi continued to work with other leading actresses and solidified his place in Bollywood, he couldn’t let go of the bitterness caused by the ring incident. It remained a topic of speculation and fascination in Bollywood circles.

An Enduring Bollywood Tale

The story of Rishi Kapoor, Rajesh Khanna, and Dimple Kapadia is a unique piece of Bollywood history that reveals how personal emotions often intersect with the world of cinema. Rishi’s openness about the incident years later provided fans with insight into his feelings and the complex relationships within Bollywood. Although time moved on and both Rishi and Rajesh Khanna have since passed away, this tale of friendship, rivalry, and unspoken bonds continues to captivate Bollywood fans.