The Indian film industry marks the eighth death anniversary of legendary Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna on April 27, 2025, who passed away at the age of 70 after battling bladder cancer. Known for his iconic roles in classics such as Chandni, Amar Akbar Anthony, Parvarish, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Vinod Khanna was a household name. Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dilwale marked his final movie appearance before his death. However, what set him apart from many of his peers was his unexpected departure from acting at the peak of his career.
Seeking answers and inner peace, he turned to spirituality, which profoundly impacted his life and career. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who shared a deep friendship with Khanna, recalls their emotional bond and the actor’s spiritual journey that altered the course of his life, in a conversation with SCREEN.
The Beginning of Their Friendship
Mahesh Bhatt and Vinod Khanna first crossed paths during the filming of Lahu Ke Do Rang in 1979. This marked the beginning of a close professional and personal relationship that spanned several years. As Vinod faced personal struggles, including the death of his mother, he turned to spirituality, and Mahesh, who was also dealing with his own challenges, accompanied him on his journey.
Bhatt recalls their trips to Bhagwan Osho Rajneesh's ashram in Pune. Both men sought comfort in the mystical surroundings, but eventually, Vinod’s spiritual path led him further. Bhatt explains that although he eventually distanced himself from the ashram, Vinod remained, eventually moving to Oregon to live at the Rajneeshpuram commune. Despite attempts to bring him back, Vinod had already gone too far down this spiritual path.
Vinod Khanna’s Transformation at Osho’s Ashram
Vinod Khanna’s time in the Rajneeshpuram commune deeply changed him. When he returned to India, it was clear that he was not the same person. The vibrant, energetic man known for his dynamic presence on screen seemed withdrawn, and Mahesh Bhatt recalls the stark difference in their reunion. The actor, once full of life, now spoke little and struggled to find his place in the film industry.
Bhatt notes, "When the Rajneesh dream collapsed, he returned, a changed man. We met again in a modest flat near Jaslok Hospital. His words were few, and the spark that once defined him seemed to have faded." These changes marked the beginning of a new chapter in Vinod’s life, as he eventually drifted into politics while still maintaining sporadic contact with Bhatt.
A Friendship Tested by Time and Change
Though their paths diverged, the bond between Mahesh Bhatt and Vinod Khanna remained intact. Their conversations, however, became less frequent, and distance slowly crept into their relationship. Bhatt reflects on the emotional toll of seeing his dear friend struggle, especially as Vinod’s attempt to return to acting faltered. Despite these changes, the bond they shared was undeniable. Bhatt recalls their time together after Vinod's return, where they spent an evening drinking, but with little conversation. "We drank till we were tipsy, but his words were scarce. The energy and passion he once radiated seemed to have vanished," Bhatt shares.
When the news of Vinod Khanna’s death reached Mahesh Bhatt, it hit him with an overwhelming sense of loss. Bhatt recalls how hearing about his friend's passing felt like an emotional shock. "The news struck me hard, like a heavy blow. It’s been eight years since, but what remains is not his fame or achievements—what stays is his quiet strength, his generosity, and the enduring charm he had." Reflecting on their years together, Bhatt concludes, "It was a privilege to have known him, to have shared a part of my life with him. I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having had Vinod Khanna in my life."
Vinod Khanna’s legacy, both as an actor and as a man in search of something deeper, continues to live on, not just through his films but also through the lasting friendships he forged, particularly with Mahesh Bhatt.
Seeking answers and inner peace, he turned to spirituality, which profoundly impacted his life and career. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who shared a deep friendship with Khanna, recalls their emotional bond and the actor’s spiritual journey that altered the course of his life, in a conversation with SCREEN.
The Beginning of Their Friendship
Mahesh Bhatt and Vinod Khanna first crossed paths during the filming of Lahu Ke Do Rang in 1979. This marked the beginning of a close professional and personal relationship that spanned several years. As Vinod faced personal struggles, including the death of his mother, he turned to spirituality, and Mahesh, who was also dealing with his own challenges, accompanied him on his journey.
Bhatt recalls their trips to Bhagwan Osho Rajneesh's ashram in Pune. Both men sought comfort in the mystical surroundings, but eventually, Vinod’s spiritual path led him further. Bhatt explains that although he eventually distanced himself from the ashram, Vinod remained, eventually moving to Oregon to live at the Rajneeshpuram commune. Despite attempts to bring him back, Vinod had already gone too far down this spiritual path.
Vinod Khanna’s Transformation at Osho’s Ashram
Vinod Khanna’s time in the Rajneeshpuram commune deeply changed him. When he returned to India, it was clear that he was not the same person. The vibrant, energetic man known for his dynamic presence on screen seemed withdrawn, and Mahesh Bhatt recalls the stark difference in their reunion. The actor, once full of life, now spoke little and struggled to find his place in the film industry.
Bhatt notes, "When the Rajneesh dream collapsed, he returned, a changed man. We met again in a modest flat near Jaslok Hospital. His words were few, and the spark that once defined him seemed to have faded." These changes marked the beginning of a new chapter in Vinod’s life, as he eventually drifted into politics while still maintaining sporadic contact with Bhatt.
A Friendship Tested by Time and Change
Though their paths diverged, the bond between Mahesh Bhatt and Vinod Khanna remained intact. Their conversations, however, became less frequent, and distance slowly crept into their relationship. Bhatt reflects on the emotional toll of seeing his dear friend struggle, especially as Vinod’s attempt to return to acting faltered. Despite these changes, the bond they shared was undeniable. Bhatt recalls their time together after Vinod's return, where they spent an evening drinking, but with little conversation. "We drank till we were tipsy, but his words were scarce. The energy and passion he once radiated seemed to have vanished," Bhatt shares.
When the news of Vinod Khanna’s death reached Mahesh Bhatt, it hit him with an overwhelming sense of loss. Bhatt recalls how hearing about his friend's passing felt like an emotional shock. "The news struck me hard, like a heavy blow. It’s been eight years since, but what remains is not his fame or achievements—what stays is his quiet strength, his generosity, and the enduring charm he had." Reflecting on their years together, Bhatt concludes, "It was a privilege to have known him, to have shared a part of my life with him. I truly believe I wouldn’t be the person I am today without having had Vinod Khanna in my life."
Vinod Khanna’s legacy, both as an actor and as a man in search of something deeper, continues to live on, not just through his films but also through the lasting friendships he forged, particularly with Mahesh Bhatt.
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