How Prem Kahani’s Box Office Failure Contributed to Rajesh Khanna’s Decline
The 1975 romantic drama Prem Kahani was expected to be another blockbuster for Rajesh Khanna, Bollywood’s reigning superstar of the era. However, despite its melodious soundtrack by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and a strong opening, the film failed to maintain momentum, ultimately underperforming at the box office. Its failure marked the beginning of a downturn in Khanna’s once-unshakable career, coinciding with a major shift in Bollywood’s cinematic landscape.
The Casting Shake-Up: Did It Impact the Film’s Fate?
Originally, Moushumi Chatterjee was cast as the female lead, but Rajesh Khanna, believing Mumtaz to be his lucky charm, pushed for her replacement. Mumtaz, initially hesitant due to prior commitments, eventually agreed. While the duo had previously delivered multiple hits (Do Raaste, Roti, Aap Ki Kasam), Prem Kahani failed to replicate that magic.
Moushumi’s exit from the project sparked media buzz, and she openly expressed disappointment in interviews. While casting changes alone weren’t enough to doom a film, this move didn’t bring the expected box-office fortune.
The Box Office Performance & Bollywood’s Changing Trends
Though Prem Kahani had a promising start, strong opening weekend numbers weren’t enough to sustain its run. The film failed to pass the crucial Monday test, leading to its downfall.
Coincidentally, 1975 marked a major turning point in Bollywood. Two of the biggest hits in Indian cinema history—Deewar (January 1975) and Sholay (August 1975)—redefined audience expectations. The romantic hero archetype, which had been Rajesh Khanna’s stronghold, was slowly making way for Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Angry Young Man’ persona. Viewers now sought intense action and rebellious protagonists over sentimental romance, diminishing Khanna’s appeal.
A Career Slump & Struggle for Relevance
Following Prem Kahani’s failure, Rajesh Khanna entered a four-year-long box office slump (1975-1979). While he continued working in films, none could match the success of his earlier blockbusters. His pairing with Moushumi Chatterjee in later films like Hamshakal and Bhola Bhala also failed to click with audiences.
It wasn’t until 1980’s Thodisi Bewafaii that Khanna saw a significant resurgence in his career. However, by then, Bollywood’s power structure had shifted, with Amitabh Bachchan cementing himself as the industry’s leading star.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
While Prem Kahani alone didn’t cause Rajesh Khanna’s downfall, it symbolized the fading of an era. Its failure, coupled with Bollywood’s evolving storytelling trends, exposed the fragility of his once-invincible stardom. As action-packed, intense narratives gained popularity, the romantic charm that had defined Khanna’s career struggled to find its place in the new Bollywood landscape.
