After the Bombay High Court rejected her plea to recognize her relationship “in the nature of marriage” with Rajesh Khanna, Anita Advani has now spoken out, making it clear that she is not ready to back down.On April 1, 2026, the Bombay High Court dismissed Anita Advani’s appeal seeking recognition of her live-in relationship with the late actor as a valid marriage. The court observed that the relationship bore the “character of a direct relationship” which did not meet the tests of a valid marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act.Anita claimed that she was in a live-in relationship with Rajesh Khanna for nearly a decade (around 2002-2012) and claimed that a private marriage ceremony was conducted. However, the claim has been disputed by the actor’s family, including Dimple Kapadia and Twinkle Khanna.In a recent conversation with Vicky Lalwani, Anita addressed the ruling, her legal position and the emotional impact of the long battle.
“This is not my perception, it is the law.”
Explaining her claim, Anita said: “I asked to be a wife by nature of marriage, not marriage. So there is a difference.”She further explained: “In domestic violence law, it is on an equal footing with the wife. You don’t need to be married in that sense. If two adults are living together like a man and a wife, they are in a relationship by the nature of marriage – which needs to be experienced, which needs to be shown.”
“After 14 years, I haven’t even gotten a trial.”
Expressing her disappointment at the ruling, she said: “After 14 years, I cannot even prove that my relationship was such and such. How can a civil case be decided without a trial? This is a mockery of justice.”When asked about her next step, Anita said: “I see… I’m thinking.” But she remained steadfast in her resolve, adding: “No, I am not tired. I will never be tired. I am not from the tribe of cowards or the weak.”“A settlement was proposed, but nothing happened.”Speaking about the previous negotiations, Anita revealed, “Their lawyer said to my lawyer: ‘Let’s agree.’ I don’t know what they wanted to offer. At first, I wasn’t in a good mood, and then I agreed a little bit, but nothing happened.
He watches
When Dimple Kapadia emotionally blackmailed Rajesh Khanna to take her to the movie ‘Jai Shiv Shankar’ after their breakup.
“We lived like husband and wife”
Talking about her relationship with Rajesh Khanna, she said, “We were like husband and wife. There was nothing to hide, it was a personal matter. We were like husband and wife. There was nothing to hide, it was a personal matter.”
“I was comfortable, and he was very comfortable.”She also reiterated her claim of a private ceremony, saying, “He applied sindoor and gave me the mangalsutra… We had a small private ceremony.”Responding to questions about intent, Anita said: “I come from a family of givers, not takers. I was with him because I loved him – not because he was a star or had money.”She added: “I knew the marriage couldn’t happen.”
The demands of the family were too much.”
“I want dignity, not anything else”
Despite declaring herself financially stable, Anita emphasized that her fight is about respect.She said: “I don’t have the life I had. I want dignity. And being mistreated…was very hurtful.”Recounting her experience, she added: “They did not allow me to meet him in the hospital. They said he did not want to see me… so many lies were told.”
“Silence is a crime”
Explaining why she continues the fight, Anita said: “Silence against injustice is a crime. If I cannot speak for myself, who will I speak to?”She also claimed: “He wrote a will, but it disappeared. I don’t know how.”Thinking of Rajesh Khanna’s reaction today, Anita said, “I’m sure he will feel that I have done so much for him… that I have sacrificed my life. He will feel bad.”
