Vinod Khanna’s love story: From stardom to sanyas and two marriages - Read more

Vinod Khanna’s life was nothing short of a Bollywood script, filled with fame, love, heartbreak, and spiritual quest. Known for his irresistible charm and powerful screen presence, Khanna was one of the most beloved stars in Indian cinema. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour lay a personal journey that often made headlines, especially his complex love life.

Born into a business family in 1946, Vinod Khanna's early years were marked by academic pursuits and a budding interest in acting. As reported by Bollywood Shaadis, it was during his college theatre days that he met Geetanjali Taleyarkhan, a model in the making. Their romance blossomed before Vinod's entry into films. After his breakout role in ‘Man Ka Meet’ (1968), success followed swiftly. Amidst growing stardom, Vinod and Geetanjali tied the knot in 1971, with Bollywood’s biggest names attending the wedding.

A family man at heart, Vinod and Geetanjali had two sons, Rahul (born in 1972) and Akshaye (born in 1975). He maintained a strict policy of not working on Sundays, dedicating the day to family. Despite an overwhelming female fan base, Vinod remained devoted to his wife and children.

The Spiritual Turn That Changed Everything
However, stardom didn’t bring inner peace. Haunted by a spiritual void, Vinod was drawn to the teachings of Osho. His search for meaning led him to the guru’s ashram and eventually to the U.S., where he served the community for years. While he stayed in touch with his family through calls, the physical absence took a toll.

Geetanjali struggled to hold the family together as the world questioned Vinod’s disappearance. Her appeals were heartfelt, but Vinod chose spiritual pursuit over family obligations. The emotional strain eventually led to their divorce in 1985.

A Life Like No Other
Vinod Khanna’s journey from silver screen hero to spiritual seeker and back again remains one of Bollywood’s most unique stories. Though his marriage to Geetanjali ended, he later found love again and remarried.

Second Marriage
Vinod Khanna married Kavita Daftary in 1990, after his return from a spiritual retreat with Osho in the United States. Kavita, the daughter of noted industrialist Sharayu Daftary, is a law graduate who later became involved in politics and social work. Their love story began with simple gestures—Vinod would call her late at night, invite her for jogging, and even proposed to her casually during a game of badminton. Despite a significant age gap, they shared a deep intellectual and emotional connection. Together, they had two children, Sakshi and Shraddha.


On the professional front, Vinod Khanna’s last outing was in the 2020 film ‘Guns of Banaras’.