Bollywood icon who worked with Shah Rukh Khan before death was left ‘broken’ after visiting Osho Ashram

The Indian movie business marks the eighth loss of life anniversary of legendary Bollywood actor Vinod Khanna on April 27, 2025, who handed away on the age of 70 after battling bladder most cancers. Identified for his iconic roles in classics resembling Chandni, Amar Akbar Anthony, Parvarish, and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar, Vinod Khanna was a family identify. Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dilwale marked his remaining film look earlier than his loss of life. Nevertheless, what set him other than lots of his friends was his surprising departure from performing on the peak of his profession. Looking for solutions and inside peace, he turned to spirituality, which profoundly impacted his life and profession. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who shared a deep friendship with Khanna, recollects their emotional bond and the actor’s non secular journey that altered the course of his life, in a dialog with SCREEN.

The Starting of Their Friendship

Mahesh Bhatt and Vinod Khanna first crossed paths throughout the filming of Lahu Ke Do Rang in 1979. This marked the start of an in depth skilled and private relationship that spanned a number of years. As Vinod confronted private struggles, together with the loss of life of his mom, he turned to spirituality, and Mahesh, who was additionally coping with his personal challenges, accompanied him on his journey.

Bhatt recollects their journeys to Bhagwan Osho Rajneesh‘s ashram in Pune. Each males sought consolation within the mystical environment, however finally, Vinod’s non secular path led him additional. Bhatt explains that though he finally distanced himself from the ashram, Vinod remained, finally transferring to Oregon to stay on the Rajneeshpuram commune. Regardless of makes an attempt to convey him again, Vinod had already gone too far down this non secular path.

Vinod Khanna’s Transformation at Osho’s Ashram

Vinod Khanna’s time within the Rajneeshpuram commune deeply modified him. When he returned to India, it was clear that he was not the identical individual. The colourful, energetic man recognized for his dynamic presence on display screen appeared withdrawn, and Mahesh Bhatt recollects the stark distinction of their reunion. The actor, as soon as vigorous, now spoke little and struggled to seek out his place within the movie business. Bhatt notes, “When the Rajneesh dream collapsed, he returned, a modified man. We met once more in a modest flat close to Jaslok Hospital. His phrases had been few, and the spark that after outlined him appeared to have light.” These adjustments marked the start of a brand new chapter in Vinod’s life, as he finally drifted into politics whereas nonetheless sustaining sporadic contact with Bhatt.

A Friendship Examined by Time and Change

Although their paths diverged, the bond between Mahesh Bhatt and Vinod Khanna remained intact. Their conversations, nevertheless, turned much less frequent, and distance slowly crept into their relationship. Bhatt displays on the emotional toll of seeing his expensive buddy wrestle, particularly as Vinod’s try to return to performing faltered. Regardless of these adjustments, the bond they shared was plain. Bhatt recollects their time collectively after Vinod’s return, the place they spent a night consuming, however with little dialog. “We drank until we had been tipsy, however his phrases had been scarce. The power and fervour he as soon as radiated appeared to have vanished,” Bhatt shares.When the information of Vinod Khanna’s loss of life reached Mahesh Bhatt, it hit him with an awesome sense of loss. Bhatt recollects how listening to about his buddy’s passing felt like an emotional shock. “The information struck me exhausting, like a heavy blow. It’s been eight years since, however what stays shouldn’t be his fame or achievements—what stays is his quiet power, his generosity, and the enduring attraction he had.” Reflecting on their years collectively, Bhatt concludes, “It was a privilege to have recognized him, to have shared part of my life with him. I really imagine I wouldn’t be the individual I’m at the moment with out having had Vinod Khanna in my life.”

Vinod Khanna’s legacy, each as an actor and as a person seeking one thing deeper, continues to stay on, not simply by means of his movies but in addition by means of the lasting friendships he cast, significantly with Mahesh Bhatt.