India’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna has starred in several cult classics that he is remembered for today. 

These include iconic films like Anand, Aradhana, Amar Prem, Haathi Mere Saathi, Kati Patang, Dushman, Roti, Bawarchi etc. 

However, not many know that besides starring in social and romantic dramas, Rajesh Khanna also played the lead role in a fantasy comedy directed by Shammi Kapoor. 

© Goldmines YouTube

In 1976, Shammi Kapoor made his directorial debut with a film titled Bundal Baaz. It was inspired by the fan-favourite tale of Aladdin where Rajesh Khanna played a character similar to the lead in the popular Middle Eastern folk tale that featured in One Thousand and One Nights aka Arabian Nights. 

While Rajesh Khanna played the lead role, Shammi Kapoor played the role of a genie. 

© Goldmines YouTube

© Goldmines YouTube

The film is about a good for nothing Rajaram who is a daydreamer and a compulsive liar. He has fooled everyone in his college including his girlfriend into believing that he belongs to a rich family. 

However, soon his life turns upside down and he finds himself doing an odd job of being a rag picker. That’s when he comes across a bottle that is home to a 20-thousand-year-old genie. 

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Since Bundal Baaz was helmed by Shammi Kapoor who was quite tech-savvy and well versed with American pop culture, the film is high on VFX and in fact, is one of the only films to make reference to popular DC superheroes like Batman, The Flash, Superman and Green Arrow. Rajesh Khanna's hostel room has posters and cutouts of several popular superheroes.

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Not just that, the opening scene of the film is quite memorable and is straight out of a comic book where Rajesh Khanna is playing Phantom. 

The reason behind Khanna playing Phantom is that he was a huge fan of the superhero character in real life and his character is shown as a comic book nerd in the film. 

In his entry scene, he appears in a Phantom costume and takes down a bunch of bank robbers. 

© Goldmines YouTube

Take a look at the opening sequence below: 

Upon its release, the movie failed to make a mark at the box office but over the years has found appreciation from those who watched it.

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