We study Einstein’s field equations to describe static spherically symmetric relativistic compact objects with anisotropic matter distribution, and generate two classes of exact solutions by choosing a generalized form for one of the gravitational potentials and a particular form for the measure of anisotropy. This is achieved by transforming the Einstein’s field equation to a hypergeometric equation. The generated models generalize the isotropic models of Durgapal–Bannerji, Tikekar and Vaidya–Tikekar. The physical viability of the model is examined and compared with observational results of strange star candidates.