When Rajesh Khanna made an offensive joke, this Bollywood actress made sure he never messes with her again

Time of India

24-05-2025

Moushumi Chatterjee
, a seasoned actress in Hindi cinema, has once again revisited a controversial moment involving the late superstar
Rajesh Khanna
. During the filming of Prem Bandhan, Khanna had allegedly made a disparaging comment about Chatterjee's pregnancy, questioning whether the child she was carrying was fathered by her husband Jayanta Mukherjee or by actor Vinod Mehra.
In a recent interview with journalist Nayandeep Rakshit, Chatterjee opened up about the episode, revealing how she responded with boldness to a remark that many would have quietly endured. She noted that she was often underestimated, as people assumed she wouldn't retaliate.
According to her, such individuals would take liberties thinking she wouldn't be bothered. 'People used to get angry because I was never bothered so much. They used to be like, chalo time mila toh isko cheddte hain, so I used to give it back,' she shared.
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'He Thought It Was a Joke, But I Gave It Back'
Chatterjee expressed that Khanna likely made the comment in jest, but failed to understand the impact such words could have. 'He thought that is fun. A lot of people who pass nasty remarks don't realise that they are actually showing what they are. You come from that surrounding. Nobody thought I can give it back. I was always like that. I never cared if you are a superhero or super heroine or anything like that,' she said.
She explained that her principles didn't revolve around fame or power, and that she respected every human being for who they are. 'If you are super, even while working as a spot boy, salute from me,' Chatterjee added, making it clear that dignity, not celebrity status, earned her respect.
Response That Left the Superstar Silent
In an earlier appearance on Lehren Retro, Chatterjee had revealed more details about the exchange. In response to Khanna's insinuation about her child's paternity, she retaliated by referencing Khanna's own family. 'Yes, I gave him back. I asked him, 'Is it Rishi Kapoor's child or yours?'' she had said. The directness of the remark reportedly stunned Khanna into silence.
Despite the discomfort caused by the incident, Chatterjee confirmed that their professional dynamic remained unaffected. 'I did movies with him after that as well. It was never awkward between me and him. Raat gayi, baat gayi. He also distanced himself, thinking she wasn't an easy nut to crack,' she explained. Her ability to separate personal grievances from her work was evident, as the two went on to collaborate on several more films, including Anuraag, Ghar Parivaar, Vijay, and Humshakal.