Famous Bollywood actor once gave up career for spirituality. Son never wanted to work with his father

Vinod Khanna was one of Bollywood’s most loved and versatile actors, a man who could slip into any role with ease, be it a hero, villain, or the common man. Known for his good looks, demeanour, and powerful screen presence, the icon enjoyed fame and success that few could match. Yet, at the peak of his stardom, when his career was soaring and fans adored him, he walked away from it all. Despite having everything, money, fame, and a loving family, something within him felt incomplete. Seeking a deeper purpose, he chose the path of spirituality. But what many don’t know is that his son, Akshaye Khanna, once revealed he never wanted to share screen space with his father.

Vinod Khanna's journey and why he left career at peak

Vinod Khanna’s journey in films began in the late 1960s when actor Sunil Dutt spotted his potential and cast him in Man Ka Meet (1968). Within a few years, he became one of Hindi cinema’s most sought-after stars, working alongside legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. By the early 1980s, he was considered one of the top actors in the country.


However, at the height of his fame, the actor made a life-altering decision. Despite the glamour around him, he felt a spiritual emptiness. Drawn to the teachings of Osho Rajneesh, he left everything - his career, his home, and even his family, to live in Osho’s ashram in Pune. The move shocked the film industry and his family.

While Vinod found peace in spirituality, his decision had a deep impact on his family. His wife, Geetanjali Taleyarkhan, a model from a Parsi family, was left to care for their two young sons, Rahul and Akshaye Khanna. She tried her best to keep the family together amid growing pressure and public curiosity, but the emotional strain eventually led to their separation in 1985.

Why son Akshaye Khanna never wanted to work with dad Vinod?

Years later, when Akshaye Khanna was asked about his father, he spoke with honesty and admiration. In an old interview with IANS, Akshaye confessed, "There are certain people whom you shouldn’t work with. My dad is one of them. To stand in the same frame as him confidently is impossible. He has such an overpowering screen presence, some actors just wash you away on screen. My dad was one of them."


After spending several years in the ashram, Vinod Khanna eventually returned to Mumbai and revived his career. His comeback was successful, with memorable roles in films like Dayavan, Chandni, and Jurm. In 1990, he married Kavita Daftary, and the couple went on to have two children - Sakshi and Shraddha.

Vinod Khanna passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy. His son Akshaye continues to remember him not only as a superstar but as a man who lived life on his own terms.