'Rajesh Khanna wanted divorce from Dimple, but she refused,' says his partner
Anita Advani, the former partner of the late actor Rajesh Khanna, discussed her failed legal battle to have their live-in relationship recognized as a valid marriage. The Bombay High Court dismissed her plea, stating the relationship did not meet the legal criteria under the Hindu Marriage Act.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing legal complexities and societal debates regarding the recognition of live-in relationships versus traditional marriage in India.
Rajesh Khanna was 31 when he married a much younger, 16-year old Dimple Kapadia in 1973. She left acting after marriage despite a huge hit like 'Bobby' as her debut. After having two daughters, Twinkle and Rinke Khanna, the duo separated. Though, they never officially got divorced. She moved out of his house in 1982 and they lived separately, till he passed away. Before he passed away, Rajesh Khanna was living with his partner Anita Advani who had filed a plea in Bombay High Court seeking recognition of her relationship with him. However, On April 1, 2026, the Bombay High Court dismissed Anita Advani’s appeal seeking to recognise her live-in relationship with the late actor as a valid marriage.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in