Veteran actress Asha Parekh has shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story about the origin of the iconic phrase “Babu Moshai,” a dialogue that became inseparable from late superstar Rajesh Khanna’s screen image after the success of the 1971 classic Anand.
Recalling the anecdote during a music reality show, Parekh spoke about the expression after a contestant performed the beloved song “Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye.” She revealed that many fans believe the phrase originated with Rajesh Khanna, but its roots actually go back to filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee and showman Raj Kapoor.
Explaining the connection, Parekh said, “Toh Raj Kapoor ji Hrishi da ko Babu Moshay bulate the.” According to her, Mukherjee later adopted the expression and used it in Anand, where it became one of Rajesh Khanna’s most memorable catchphrases. “Toh isliye Hrishi da ne ye naam Babu Moshay Rajesh Khanna ji ko diya hain,” she added.
Parekh also recalled the immense popularity the dialogue enjoyed among audiences at the time. “Jb vo bolte the, ‘Babu Moshay’ sare ladkiya behosh ho jate the,” she said, highlighting Khanna’s extraordinary fan following during his peak years.
The phrase eventually achieved cult status through Anand, starring Rajesh Khanna alongside Amitabh Bachchan, and remains one of Hindi cinema’s most enduring dialogues.
