Akshay Kumar’s love life once made regular headlines—whether it was his links with Raveena Tandon or Shilpa Shetty. But all those stories faded once he tied the knot with Twinkle Khanna, daughter of Bollywood’s first superstar, Rajesh Khanna. While the couple’s marriage has stood strong for over two decades, very few know about the humorous but meaningful advice Rajesh Khanna gave to his daughter before the wedding.

Rajesh Khanna’s Advice: "Keep the Reins Tight"

In an old video now resurfacing on social media, Rajesh Khanna is seen speaking about his son-in-law Akshay Kumar in his trademark witty style. When asked about Akshay, he joked, “At this age, our son-in-law is like a king. Sometimes he sings, sometimes he does Bhool Bhulaiyaa... I don’t know why. He’s a manipulator... a true manipulator.”

But it didn’t stop at teasing. The veteran actor also revealed the advice he gave to Twinkle (whom he affectionately called “Tina Baba”):
“I told her—keep a tight rein on him. But don’t pull so hard that the reins break.”
A subtle but sharp message wrapped in humor, reflecting both fatherly concern and a deep understanding of human nature.

The Superstar Prediction

Interestingly, Rajesh Khanna also predicted Akshay’s rise to superstardom long before the world acknowledged it. According to insiders, he always believed Akshay had the discipline, drive, and screen presence to become one of the top stars in the industry.

From Seeking Roles to Becoming Family

Akshay once shared in an interview that before marrying Twinkle, he had approached Rajesh Khanna—not as a future son-in-law, but as a struggling actor seeking work.
“I used to visit his office with my portfolio and request him for roles,” Akshay revealed in a conversation with Sansad TV. “He would politely tell me to come back later.”

Little did either know then that the aspiring actor would not only make it big but also become a part of Khanna's family.

A Bond That Went Beyond Cinema

Akshay Kumar has often said he saw Rajesh Khanna not just as a father-in-law, but as a mentor and father figure. Their bond remained strong until Khanna's death in 2012.

From asking for work to becoming a leading actor in Indian cinema and marrying into Bollywood royalty, Akshay Kumar’s journey has been remarkable—and Rajesh Khanna’s parting advice remains just as relevant today as it was then: guide with love, but never control with force.