Rajesh Khanna’s guru used to stitch kurtas, Naseeruddin Shah’s father-in-law! From Sans to daughters, veteran Bollywood actresses, know the story of this unique film family

In the 70s, when the magic of Bollywood’s first superstar Rajesh Khanna was spreading across the country, his unique dressing style became the fashion statement of every youth. That loose fitting ‘Guru Kurta’ and safari suit of Kaka was trending all over the country. But very few people know that Baldev Pathak, a famous tailor from Mumbai, was behind the sewing and designing of these iconic clothes of Rajesh Khanna. Baldev Pathak’s craftsmanship was so impressive that he received orders for thousands of kurtas every day and people from far and wide came to Mumbai to get clothes stitched from him. Baldev Pathak’s unique family connection with Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapoor later transformed them into one of the most prestigious artistic families of Indian cinema. Actually, Baldev Pathak’s relationship was formed with two of the greatest actors of Bollywood – Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur. Naseeruddin Shah was married to Ratna Pathak Shah, elder daughter of Baldev Pathak. Pankaj Kapoor married Supriya Pathak, younger daughter of Baldev Pathak. In this way, Baldev Pathak, who designed Rajesh Khanna’s clothes, became the father-in-law of both Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapoor. From mother-in-law to daughters: Baldev Pathak established his rule in the world of acting. He married the veteran and timeless actress of his time, Dina Pathak. Dina Pathak left her indelible mark in Indian cinema with the roles of mother and grandmother in countless films like ‘Golmaal’, ‘Khoobsurat’ and ‘Mirch Masala’. Ratna Pathak Shah: She became dear to every heart with the character of ‘Maya Sarabhai’ in ‘Sarabhai vs Sarabhai’ and acted brilliantly in films like ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’, ‘Kapoor and Sons’. Supriya Pathak: Nationally acclaimed for her iconic character ‘Hansa’ in ‘Khichdi’ and the negative role of ‘Dhankor Ba’ in the film ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’. When Rajesh Khanna’s stardom gradually started declining in the late 70s, it had a direct impact on Baldev Pathak’s tailoring business as well. He died after some time. However, his wife Dina Pathak and his two daughters, on the basis of their acting and hard work, achieved a position in the world of Indian theatre, television and Hindi cinema, which has become an example today.