Vinod Khanna’s life continues to interest fans even today, not just because of his films, but also because of the unusual choices he made at the peak of his career. The late actor had entered Bollywood with Sunil Dutt’s film ‘Man Ka Meet’ in 1968. His tall frame, confidence and natural on-screen charm quickly made him stand out. Over the next decade, he delivered major hits like ‘Mera Gaon Mera Desh’, ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘Muqaddar Ka Sikandar’ and ‘The Burning Train’.By the late 1970s, Vinod had become one of the most dependable and admired actors of his generation. His mix of intensity and gentleness made him a favourite among filmmakers. But just when his career was at its strongest, he shocked everyone by suddenly stepping away from fame and success to follow his spiritual guru, Osho.
When Vinod Khanna opened up on his choice to step away suddenly
In an old episode of ‘Rendezvous with Simi Garewal’, Khanna explained the inner struggle that pushed him to leave films in 1978. He admitted he had reached a point where his thoughts and emotions no longer felt steady.Talking about the decision, he said, “My mind made me do that. My mind was hyper, my thoughts were all over the place. I was very angry as I had reached a saturation point. People can press your buttons and make you react… but it’s not under your control.”He then shared how meditation helped him find direction again, “When I would meditate, I realised I could master my mind. These things drove me to say – I’ve given enough films, I have given enough time, made enough money… now I need to give myself completely to meditation and be with my guru. It was a need within me.”
Vinod Khanna’s experience at the Osho ashram
Vinod’s stay at the Osho ashram in Pune, and later in the US, became one of the most discussed periods of his life. He detached himself from the glamour of films and surrendered to a routine centred on meditation, discipline and spiritual exploration. This phase also put pressure on his personal life. His first marriage to Gitanjali Taleyarkhan, whom he married in 1971, began to drift apart during these years. The couple shared two sons, Rahul Khanna and Akshaye Khanna. They eventually divorced in 1985.
Vinod Khanna’s second marriage and new beginnings
After returning to India, Vinod slowly came back to films and public life. In 1990, he married Kavita Daftary. Their relationship brought new balance into his life, and the couple welcomed two children, son Sakshi and daughter Shraddha.
Kavita’s candid view on Vinod Khanna’s nature
In the same interview, when asked whether living with Vinod Khanna was difficult, Kavita replied with refreshing honesty. She said, “He is a very taxing person to live with. But that is Vinod and that is what I liked about him when we first started talking to each other. He was extending boundaries of thought and it was wonderful to do at midnight when I was in that space.”She further explained that what felt exciting in the beginning could also feel overwhelming in day-to-day life. “To have it do that every day with routine things you do in life is a little taxing. But then you know, I think the strength that you have to carry it to an extreme, also becomes our weakness. Like he admires my mind, but when it gets too analytical, he doesn’t like it.”Along with acting, Vinod also built a serious political career after his return. He served as a Member of Parliament and held ministerial roles. Despite stepping away from films for years, he returned to deliver memorable roles in his later films as well. Vinod Khanna passed away in 2017.
