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‘IT HURT ME’: LEGENDARY ACTRESS MUMTAZ QUESTIONS WHY RAJESH KHANNA’S ICONIC ‘AASHIRWAD’ WAS SOLD
MUMBAI – In a poignant reflection on the legacy of Indian cinema’s first superstar, veteran actress Mumtaz has expressed her deep sorrow over the sale and subsequent demolition of “Aashirwad,” the legendary sea-facing bungalow of the late Rajesh Khanna.
Mumtaz, who formed one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pairings with Khanna, revealed that the decision to part with the landmark property remains a source of confusion and pain for her.
A Piece of History Lost
“Aashirwad,” located on Mumbai’s Carter Road, was more than just a residence; it was a symbol of the “Kaka” phenomenon that gripped the nation in the 1970s. Following Rajesh Khanna’s passing in 2012, the property was sold to a businessman in 2014 and later demolished to make way for a new structure.
Speaking about the sale, Mumtaz questioned why the family, including Khanna’s son-in-law Akshay Kumar and daughter Twinkle Khanna, chose to let go of the iconic estate.
“I don’t know why Akshay Kumar and the family sold that house. It hurt me deeply when I found out,” Mumtaz stated in a recent interview. She noted that for a man of Khanna’s stature, his home should have been preserved as a tribute to his unparalleled stardom.
‘Money Wasn’t the Issue’
The actress suggested that the family certainly didn’t lack the financial resources to maintain the property. “They have so much money. Why would they sell his legacy?” she asked, reflecting the sentiments of millions of fans who once gathered outside those gates just to catch a glimpse of the superstar.
Mumtaz shared that she had hoped the bungalow would be converted into a museum or a memorial, similar to how the homes of legendary figures are preserved globally. To her, the demolition of Aashirwad felt like the erasure of a golden chapter of Indian cinema.
The Bond Between ‘Kaka’ and Mumtaz
Mumtaz and Rajesh Khanna starred together in a string of blockbusters, including Do Raaste, Aap Ki Kasam, and Roti. Their chemistry was a cornerstone of Khanna’s career. The actress recalled how “Aashirwad” was the heart of Khanna’s world—a place of grand parties and intense solitude alike.
“That house was his pride. To see it gone is very sad,” she added.
The Sale of Aashirwad
The bungalow was sold for a reported ₹85 crore to Shashi Kiran Shetty, the founder of Allcargo Logistics. At the time, the family had not issued a detailed statement on the reasons for the sale, though reports suggested it was part of settling the late actor’s estate.
While the new structure now stands where Aashirwad once was, Mumtaz’s comments have reignited a debate among film historians and fans about the importance of preserving the heritage of Bollywood’s most influential figures. For Mumtaz, the loss of the house remains a personal and professional heartbreak, a “missing piece” in the story of her dearest co-star.
