Rajesh Khanna, known as one of Bollywood's first superstars and affectionately called 'Kaka,' had a significant following of female fans. Before marrying Dimple Kapadia, he was in a relationship with actress Anju Mahendru, which saw its fair share of ups and downs. Their relationship came to an abrupt end when Khanna decided to marry Kapadia, a decision that left many surprised, especially since he was still in the process of moving on from his previous relationship with Mahendru.

According to reports from Indian Express, in 1973, when Khanna announced his decision to marry Dimple, the timing shocked many as he was still recovering from the breakup with Anju. In a rather bold move, the superstar ordered that his wedding procession pass in front of Anju's house, a decision that revealed his intent to showcase that he had moved on. However, this act likely complicated matters further for Mahendru, who had been asked to give up her career to take care of Khanna while he started an affair with Dimple Kapadia.

The relationship between Rajesh Khanna and Anju Mahendru began while they worked together in theater, where they supported each other through difficult times. Their romantic involvement was passionate, but ultimately could not withstand the pressures from their professional and personal lives, reflecting the often-tragic nature of celebrity relationships in Bollywood during that era.