Dev Anand's Book Launch Takes an Unexpected Turn
Dev Anand's 2007 autobiography launch should have been a grand celebration. The legendary actor expected a star-studded evening. Instead, the event quietly transformed into an awkward episode that left him confused.
The Promise That Wasn't Kept
Mohan Churiwala, a close associate of Dev Anand, recently recalled the incident. He revealed that politician Amar Singh personally volunteered to bring Amitabh Bachchan to the launch. "He asked, 'Hum Amitabh ji ko bula lein?' I said, 'Bula lo'," Churiwala stated in an interview with Vickey Lalwani.
Amar Singh promised more than just Amitabh Bachchan's presence. He assured that he would arrive with Amitabh, Anil Ambani, and Tina Ambani. They specifically said they would stay for dinner, according to Churiwala's recollection.
The Sudden Departure
Despite these clear assurances, things took an unexpected turn. Amar Singh and the Bachchans left the event before it concluded. They did not stay for dinner as promised.
Dev Anand noticed their early departure. The veteran actor quietly wondered about the reason. "Dev saab wondered, 'Did they feel bad about something?'" Churiwala shared, describing the actor's visible confusion.
The Visit to Jalsa
Determined to personally hand over copies of his autobiography, Dev Anand decided to visit Amitabh Bachchan's home the next day. He accompanied Mohan Churiwala to Jalsa, Bachchan's residence.
Their arrival did not go smoothly. Churiwala honked the car horn. The watchman came out, asked about their visit, and went back inside. He did not return for fifteen minutes.
Amar Singh emerged another ten minutes later. This lengthy wait prompted Dev Anand to ask a simple question. "It has been a while. Why is it taking so long?" the actor inquired.
The Revelation After Dev Anand's Death
Dev Anand passed away in 2011. After his death, Amar Singh revealed an important detail. Permission from Amitabh Bachchan was required to allow guests inside Jalsa.
Mohan Churiwala expressed relief that this information came out posthumously. "If Dev saab had heard that someone had to seek permission to let him in, he would have felt very bad," Churiwala said. He added, "I was glad this came out after his death."
The entire episode highlights how even Bollywood legends face unexpected social situations. What began as a celebratory book launch became a moment of quiet embarrassment for one of Indian cinema's most respected figures.
