Asha Parekh Recalls Fan Frenzy and Stone Pelting at Rajesh Khanna During Kati Patang Shoot in Nainital
Veteran actress Asha Parekh has recalled a dramatic incident from the filming of the classic 1971 film Kati Patang while appearing on Indian Idol. During a special episode, she recreated the famous song “Jis Gali Mein Tera Ghar” with host Harsh Limbachiyaa, reviving memories of one of Hindi cinema’s most popular films. The conversation turned to the original shoot of the song, which took place in Nainital and turned unexpectedly chaotic because of Rajesh Khanna’s enormous stardom at the time.
Parekh said the trouble began when Rajesh Khanna reached the lake location for the boat sequence. She explained that the crowd of admirers became so large that the cast and crew could not even get onto the boat to begin filming. According to her, fans had gathered in overwhelming numbers just to catch a glimpse of the superstar, whose popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s made him one of the biggest icons in Indian cinema.
The situation worsened when some fans grew frustrated after failing to meet Khanna. Parekh recalled that stones were thrown at the team, creating a tense and dangerous atmosphere on set. She described the moment as alarming and said the crew was left wondering what was happening as the stones continued to come their way.
Because the crowd could not be controlled, director Shakti Samanta was forced to halt the shoot for the day. Parekh said filming in such conditions was impossible, and the team had no choice but to pack up. The sequence was completed only after police were brought in to clear the area and move the crowd away from the shooting spot.
Kati Patang, directed by Shakti Samanta, released in 1971 and became one of Hindi cinema’s most loved films. Starring Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh in lead roles, the movie was praised for its emotional story, strong performances and memorable music. The song “Jis Gali Mein Tera Ghar” remains one of its most iconic numbers, and Parekh’s recollection on Indian Idol offered fans a vivid behind-the-scenes glimpse into the extraordinary craze surrounding Rajesh Khanna during the height of his fame.
Her account highlighted not only the challenges faced during outdoor shoots in that era but also the unmatched fan following that defined Khanna’s superstardom. The incident at Nainital stands as a reminder of how overwhelming public adoration could sometimes disrupt film productions, even for a landmark movie like Kati Patang.
