The Bombay High Court has dismissed an appeal by actress Anita Advani, who had sought legal recognition of her relationship with late star Rajesh Khanna as a marriage.

Justice Sharmila Deshmukh upheld an earlier decision from a civil court, which had rejected the 57-year-old’s claim back in 2017 on technical grounds. 

The court had then ruled that the relationship did not fall under the definition of one “in the nature of marriage” as per the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.

Read More: Anita Advani reveals untold story of Rajesh Khanna’s final years

The veteran actor, often called Bollywood’s first superstar, died in 2012. But the questions around his personal life and property have stayed in courtrooms since.

The Anand star married Dimple Kapadia in 1973, and they later separated but never divorced. 

He reportedly lived with the Chorni actress for over a decade before the Leela actor returned during his final years.

In an old interview, she claimed to be Rajesh Khanna’s wife, saying, “We got married privately... But it was already reported in the media that I was with him, so neither of us felt the need to go and publicly announce that we were married.”

Following the Naseeb actor's death, the Shalimar actress filed a case against his family for maintenance and recognition of her relationship with the late actor. 

She had also claimed that she performed all rituals like Karva Chauth for him. However, since the Guddi lead was still legally married to the Zakhmi Aurat actress despite their estrangement, he couldn't have married Anita in a legal sense.

In a recent interview, Anita spoke openly about their time together. “Dimple had left him, and for 30 years, he had lost everything. Everyone abandoned him. He was stuck-no divorce, no resolution.”

She added, “Everything went completely out of control, beyond anyone’s reach, including his own. Yet, the family ended up with his entire property. That in itself is a big story.”

The Saazish actor said, “Every relationship deserves respect. Karma comes around on its own.”

A detailed judgment from the court is still awaited.