At the moment, Aamir Khan is named Bollywood’s final perfectionist—an actor who refuses to affiliate with a movie except he’s absolutely satisfied by its script. Over time, this strategy has seen him stroll away from a number of high-profile initiatives. However early in his profession, Aamir as soon as made a uncommon exception—and that too with out even asking for the story.The movie was Awwal Quantity (1990), directed by legendary actor-filmmaker Dev Anand.Recounting the incident in a latest dialog with Vickey Lalwani, Dev Anand’s shut pal Mohan Churiwala revealed how Aamir agreed to do the movie purely out of respect for Dev Anand.“Aamir Khan has stated in an interview that Awwal Quantity is the one movie the place his father instructed him, ‘Don’t ask in regards to the story, don’t ask in regards to the script, don’t even discuss in regards to the cash. Simply go and say sure to Dev Saab,’” Mohan shared.He added, “Dev Saab’s stature was such from the very starting.”
‘Dev Saab was the most effective paymaster’
In the identical dialog, Mohan spoke at size about Dev Anand’s professionalism—particularly when it got here to funds.“His assistants used to inform me that Dev Saab was the most effective paymaster. Overlook late funds, he would personally name folks and ensure they have been paid,” he stated.Recalling an incident involving late comic Birbal, Mohan added, “Birbal has written on his YouTube channel that he labored in Lootmaar, and because the movie didn’t do nicely, there have been some funds he hadn’t taken. Dev Saab known as him and stated, ‘Birbal, come instantly and acquire your cheque.’”In response to Mohan, field workplace efficiency by no means dictated Dev Anand’s ethics.
When SD Burman refused to do Hare Rama Hare Krishna
Mohan additionally recalled a lesser-known episode involving legendary composer SD Burman and Dev Anand’s cult traditional Hare Rama Hare Krishna.“When Burman Dada heard the story, he stood up and stated, ‘Don’t make this movie. It is a disgusting story. What’s unsuitable with you to even plan such a narrative?’” Mohan stated.Burman’s response deeply shook Dev Anand. Realising the discomfort, he determined to introduce a further character to make sure there was no inappropriate angle involving his character and the sister.Regardless of the modifications, SD Burman remained agency. “‘Don’t make this movie. I don’t need to do it, and also you shouldn’t both,’” Mohan recalled.
Dev Anand stayed agency
Unfazed by the resistance, Dev Anand went forward with Hare Rama Hare Krishna, ultimately roping in RD Burman for the music. The movie went on to turn into a landmark in Hindi cinema.Very like that call, Awwal Quantity too mirrored a section the place Dev Anand’s legacy and repute carried sufficient weight for even a younger Aamir Khan to say sure—with out a script, with out a narration, and with out questions. A call that feels nearly unthinkable in right now’s period of contracts, clauses and artistic management.