"Don't inquire about the plot, and don't worry about the budget": This was Aamir Khan's surprising approach when he agreed to star in Dev Anand's film Awwal Number, a decision that stands out in his otherwise meticulous career. Today, Aamir is widely recognized as Bollywood’s quintessential perfectionist, an actor who meticulously evaluates scripts before committing to a project. This dedication to quality has led him to turn down many prominent roles over the years.
However, in the early days of his career, Aamir made a notable exception—and he did so without even seeking details about the storyline. The film in question was Awwal Number, released in 1990 and directed by the iconic Dev Anand, known not only for his acting but also for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. In a recent discussion with Vickey Lalwani, Mohan Churiwala, a close associate of Dev Anand, recounted how Aamir accepted the role purely out of admiration for Anand's stature. "Aamir Khan mentioned in an interview that Awwal Number is the only project where his father advised him, 'Don’t inquire about the story, don’t ask about the script, don’t discuss finances. Just agree to work with Dev Saab,'" Mohan reflected. He emphasized that Dev Anand's reputation was so commanding that it warranted such blind faith from a budding actor like Aamir.
"Dev Saab was renowned for being an excellent paymaster," Mohan continued, elaborating on Anand's professionalism, especially regarding financial matters. "His team often remarked that he was the best when it came to payments. There were no delays; he personally ensured that everyone received their dues on time." He recalled a specific incident involving the late comedian Birbal, who discussed on his YouTube channel how he had worked in the film Lootmaar. "Birbal mentioned that due to the film's poor performance, some payments were pending. Dev Saab reached out to him directly, saying, 'Birbal, come right away to collect your cheque.'" According to Mohan, Dev Anand’s ethical standards never wavered, regardless of box office outcomes.
Mohan further shared an intriguing anecdote about the legendary composer SD Burman and the film Hare Rama Hare Krishna, which has become a classic. "When Burman Dada heard the story, he was taken aback and exclaimed, 'This is an awful story. Why would you even consider making this?" His words struck a chord with Dev Anand, who, recognizing the discomfort, opted to introduce a new character to alleviate concerns about inappropriate themes related to his character and the sister. Despite these modifications, SD Burman remained adamant. "'I refuse to be part of this film. You shouldn't make it either,' he insisted," Mohan recounted.
Still undeterred, Dev Anand forged ahead with Hare Rama Hare Krishna, ultimately enlisting RD Burman to compose the music. This film became a pivotal moment in Hindi cinema. Similarly, Awwal Number exemplified a time when Dev Anand's legacy and influence were so powerful that even a young Aamir Khan felt comfortable agreeing to participate without prior knowledge of the script or story—something quite unthinkable in today’s industry, where contracts and creative control dictate much of the artistic landscape.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Could Aamir Khan have made such a leap of faith if it weren't for Dev Anand's extraordinary reputation? What do you think drives actors today to be so cautious with their choices? Share your thoughts below!
