Story perspectives

Prem Chopra Reflects on Khanna's Decline Amid Bachchan's Rise

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prem Chopra, a veteran Indian actor, says Rajesh Khanna, a Bollywood star, lost fame as Amitabh Bachchan, a Bollywood icon, rose.
Khanna struggled silently with his declining career, and Chopra says it led to drinking.
Chopra notes that such emotional transitions are common in the film industry.
Chopra praises Bachchan for embracing diverse roles, not clinging to past stardom.
This approach has kept Bachchan relevant by focusing on meaningful characters.

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Story summary

Prem Chopra, a veteran Indian actor, says Rajesh Khanna, a Bollywood star, lost fame as Amitabh Bachchan, a Bollywood icon, rose.
Khanna struggled silently with his declining career, and Chopra says it led to drinking.
Chopra notes that such emotional transitions are common in the film industry.
Chopra praises Bachchan for embracing diverse roles, not clinging to past stardom.
This approach has kept Bachchan relevant by focusing on meaningful characters.