Everyone who worked with Rajesh Khanna — fondly known as Kaka — has a story to tell. While some described him as moody or difficult, others cherished a warm camaraderie with the legendary star. Tales of his temper, larger-than-life persona, and walking around with sycophants often surface in retrospectives of his life. But for actress Poonam Dhillon, her experience with the superstar was nothing like the warnings she received. In fact, Kaka treated her with kindness, patience, and an almost protective affection.
In a recent interview with ANI, Poonam recalled her early memories of Rajesh Khanna, long before she entered the film industry. “I didn’t witness his peak because I wasn’t really into films back then,” she said, adding, “But as a child, I once went to see a film shoot while I was in the eighth grade. It was a BR Chopra film being shot in Chandigarh. Rajesh Khanna was there, and I think Vidya Sinha was his co-star. That was the only time I saw him back then.”
Years later, when she joined the film industry and began acting, their paths crossed again. “By the time I was doing my third film, people warned me about him — they said he was difficult to work with,” Poonam recalled. “But honestly, I never experienced any of that. He was never temperamental with me.”
Poonam Dhillon and Rajesh Khanna in Zamama. (Express archive photo)
‘Kaka guided me through scenes and offered reassurance’
Poonam Dhillon went on to explain how supportive Rajesh Khanna was during their first film together, Red Rose, a psychological thriller that posed a considerable challenge for her as a newcomer. “It was a tough role, and I was nervous. The director, Bharathiraja, didn’t speak Hindi. He would talk to his assistant in Tamil, and I could never tell if he liked my look or my performance. I was terrified. But Kaka really helped me — he guided me through scenes and offered reassurance.”
Though not close friends, Poonam says she always felt a deep sense of respect and warmth from Kaka. “I wouldn’t say we were buddies — he was very senior to me — but because he had seen me from such a young age, he treated me like a child. He was always protective on set.”
