Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor urged Vinod Khanna not to leave Bollywood for Osho: “He was sure that he wanted to leave the industry” | Hindi Film News

Vinod Khanna made a surprising decision to leave Bollywood at the height of his fame in 1982 and join it. Oshocommune in RajneeshpuramOregon. The move came at a time when he was one of the industry’s leading stars, known for his charisma and talent. His departure from the film industry for deep meditation and spiritual enlightenment was not just a personal choice; it also had a significant impact on his family and fans.
At this crucial time, Amitabh Bachchan, who was fast becoming a superstar, reportedly urged Khanna to reconsider her decision. Senior journalist Bhavana Somaiya said in an interview with the YouTube channel Hindi Rush that Bachchan was very worried about the choice of Khanna. “Bachchan wasn’t responsible for Khanna’s career, was he? He couldn’t do anything alone. Hannah was a very handsome actor; talented, sensitive… Vinod Khanna was lost in himself. He decided to follow Rajneesh,” she explained.
Somaiya noted, “In fact, Amitabh Bachchan begged him not to continue with his decision. Shashi Kapoor also advised him to reconsider his decision. Every actor and director told him not to leave, that it would be wrong. But he was sure he wanted to leave the industry, and he left. He was there with Osho for a long time and then he came back and was able to resume his career. In my opinion, his career has turned out well.”
Despite these requests, Hanna remained firm in his decision. He called a press conference to announce his retirement from the film industry, demonstrating his determination in his quest for spiritual fulfillment. His devotion to Osho was deep; he even stated in an interview Simmi Garewal that his choice was selfish, but necessary for his personal growth. “This! If you are not selfish, you cannot do anything like that. Because it is your own being that has to find that transcendence,” he remarked, adding, “Everyone must travel alone. You come alone, you go alone. You will have to go your own way.”
After spending almost two years in Rajneeshpuram, Vinod Khanna returned to India. Upon his return, Mahesh Bhatt helped him reintegrate into Bollywood with the film Jurm, which marked a new chapter in his career.