A deeply personal note written by Amitabh Bachchan in 2017 has resurfaced, offering a rare and touching glimpse into one of Bollywood’s most enduring friendships. The note, penned in Hindi, captures the essence of a bond that spanned nearly five decades, from their early days as struggling actors to becoming two of the biggest stars of Indian cinema.
Amitabh Bachchan recalled their very first meeting in 1969 at the office of Ajanta Arts in Bandra, Mumbai, where he had gone hoping to find any role. Vinod Khanna, already working on a film, walked in looking strikingly handsome with an unmistakable swagger, yet smiled gently at the struggling newcomer.
Their paths crossed again soon after when both were cast in Reshma Aur Shera, travelling together to a remote desert location in Jaisalmer where they shared a single tent with five others.
Even after returning to Mumbai, the two remained in touch. Despite being a big star, Vinod Khanna was remarkably humble, often driving Amitabh Bachchan around the city in his yellow Volkswagen Beetle and sneaking him into the exclusive disco club at the Taj Hotel. Their bond stood the test of time through personal losses, on-set accidents, and shared late-night conversations at Juhu Beach.
The dramatic end to this daily companionship came when Vinod Khanna suddenly decided to follow Rajneesh and moved to America, concluding a unique forty-eight-year chapter of brotherhood.
News Edit KV Raman
