A recent revelation by a close friend of the late Dev Anand has shed light on an incident that allegedly occurred between the legendary actor and Amitabh Bachchan. According to Mohan Churiwala, a long-time associate of Dev Anand, the veteran actor was once made to wait outside Bachchan's residence, Jalsa, for approximately half an hour.
The incident reportedly took place in 2007, when Dev Anand visited Bachchan to personally deliver a copy of his autobiography. Churiwala recounted the event in a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani, stating that Dev Anand's arrival at Jalsa was unannounced, and the security personnel had to seek permission from Bachchan to allow him entry.
Churiwala further revealed that Amar Singh, who was a close friend of the Bachchan family at the time, had offered to facilitate Bachchan's presence at Dev Anand's book launch. Singh had reportedly volunteered to ensure Bachchan's attendance. However, on the day of the launch, Bachchan made a brief appearance on stage but left soon after, missing the dinner and the opportunity to receive a signed copy of the book.
The following day, when Dev Anand went to Jalsa to deliver the book, he was kept waiting at the gate. According to Churiwala, Amar Singh later disclosed in an interview with Vir Sanghvi that Bachchan required permission to be sought before allowing any guest inside Jalsa. Churiwala expressed relief that this information surfaced after Dev Anand's death in 2011, as he believed the actor would have been deeply hurt had he known that permission was required for him to enter Bachchan's home.
The relationship between Dev Anand and Amitabh Bachchan was one of mutual respect, with Bachchan often acknowledging Anand's influence on his career. Bachchan has spoken of his admiration for Anand's energy, style, and his unwavering commitment to cinema. He fondly recalled his early encounters with the legendary actor, noting Anand's sharp and observant nature.
Despite their age difference and different eras in Bollywood, the two actors shared a cordial relationship. While they never starred in a film together, they maintained a connection built on admiration and respect for each other's contributions to Indian cinema.
This incident, as narrated by Churiwala, offers a glimpse into the dynamics of celebrity culture and the protocols that sometimes govern interactions between prominent figures. It also highlights the importance of relationships and the potential for misunderstandings, even between individuals who hold each other in high regard.
