Filmmaker Ketan Anand, son of legendary director Chetan Anand, recently opened up about how immense fame can sometimes turn into a challenge rather than a reward. While discussing the unpredictable nature of success, Ketan cited the career of iconic superstar Rajesh Khanna as a powerful example.
Speaking on the Unheard Tales Podcast, Ketan shared his father’s belief that navigating success can be far more complicated than dealing with failure. He recalled how Rajesh Khanna’s cinematic journey began under Chetan Anand’s guidance, with his debut film Aakhri Khat.
According to Ketan, Chetan Anand always preferred discovering and nurturing fresh talent. Even when Rajesh Khanna rose to unprecedented superstardom, his father consciously chose not to work with him again during that phase. The decision often raised eyebrows within the industry.
Ketan recounted that people frequently questioned his father about avoiding collaboration with such a massive star. Chetan Anand’s response, however, remained unwavering: “I don’t work with stars, I work with actors.” He firmly believed that true artistry mattered more than box-office hype and added that when an actor genuinely needed meaningful work, they would return.
A Reunion Marked by Maturity and Meaning
Years later, after experiencing both the peak of fame and its inevitable decline, Rajesh Khanna reunited with Chetan Anand. Their collaboration resulted in Kudrat, a critically acclaimed film that is still remembered as one of their most impactful works together.
The reunion symbolized not just professional reconciliation, but also the triumph of craft over celebrity—an idea Chetan Anand strongly believed in throughout his career.
