Fame and admiration do not shield even the biggest icons from emotional pain. In his memoir Romancing With Life, legendary actor Dev Anand reflected on a deeply personal episode that left a lasting mark on his heart. The evergreen star recalled how his growing affection for Zeenat Aman was shaken after witnessing her closeness with celebrated filmmaker and actor Raj Kapoor, an experience that altered his feelings forever.
A Love That Bloomed on Set
Dev Anand revealed that his feelings for Zeenat Aman intensified during the making of the 1971 cult film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Their time together on set nurtured a strong emotional bond, and Dev found himself increasingly drawn to her charm, intelligence, and presence. So deeply invested was he that he planned to express his emotions openly. He chose a carefully thought-out dinner at a romantic venue, believing it would be the perfect moment to confess what he felt and perhaps take their relationship forward.
A Party That Changed Everything
Before heading out for their planned dinner, Dev and Zeenat decided to briefly attend a social gathering. What was meant to be a short appearance soon became a turning point. At the event, Dev observed Zeenat’s interaction with Raj Kapoor, which he felt crossed the boundaries of casual familiarity. Her body language, gestures, and ease around Raj Kapoor unsettled him deeply. The moment that struck him most was when she appeared conflicted yet continued engaging with Raj Kapoor in a manner Dev found intimate and revealing.
Realisation and Emotional Collapse
As the evening progressed, Dev Anand sensed that something significant had been kept from him. Raj Kapoor’s remarks to Zeenat about her promise to wear white outfits exclusively for him further intensified Dev’s discomfort. In that instant, Dev felt that unspoken truths were unfolding before his eyes. The warmth he had carried in his heart began to dissolve into disappointment and hurt. The dinner plans that once symbolised romance lost their meaning, and Dev chose to quietly withdraw from the gathering, carrying a heavy emotional burden with him.
Years Later, a Public Dispute
Long after Dev Anand’s passing, Zeenat Aman addressed this chapter from his autobiography through a social media post, strongly denying his interpretation of events. Her response reignited discussions around the incident, prompting fresh perspectives from those who were close to Dev during his lifetime. One such voice was Mohan Churiwala, a trusted friend of the actor, who openly questioned why Zeenat chose to respond only after Dev was no longer alive to engage in a dialogue.
A Friend’s Firm Stand
In a conversation with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Mohan Churiwala expressed unwavering faith in Dev Anand’s integrity. He asserted that Dev was not someone who distorted facts or wrote with malice. According to Mohan, Dev documented the episode exactly as he experienced it. He also pointed out that Zeenat Aman attended the book launch in 2007 and that Dev lived for several years after its release, raising questions about why she did not challenge his account during that time.
Details That Strengthened Dev’s Belief
Mohan further elaborated on the specifics described in the book, emphasizing moments that reinforced Dev’s conclusions. He recalled how Zeenat’s actions at the party suggested inner conflict, as though she was unsure whether her behaviour was appropriate. Mohan highlighted that Dev felt deeply uncomfortable because he valued transparency and shared a cordial relationship with Raj Kapoor. The lack of prior disclosure from Zeenat made him feel excluded and emotionally blindsided.
Guilt, Resistance, and Departure
According to Mohan, Dev also sensed unease and guilt in Raj Kapoor’s behaviour when he attempted to leave the party. Both Zeenat and Raj Kapoor reportedly tried to stop him, reminding him of the dinner that awaited them. Despite this, Dev chose to walk away, believing that staying would only deepen his distress. His decision to leave marked the moment he accepted that his emotional expectations had been shattered.
Conviction About a Hidden Bond
When asked whether Dev believed there was a deeper connection between Zeenat Aman and Raj Kapoor, Mohan answered with certainty. He clarified that Dev was convinced she had engaged with Raj Kapoor professionally and personally without informing him, particularly regarding discussions around Satyam Shivam Sundaram. To Dev, the party merely exposed what had already been quietly unfolding behind his back.
A Love That Lost Its Meaning
In his autobiography, Dev Anand described how abruptly his romantic hopes collapsed. What began as a heartfelt desire to express love transformed into a painful awakening. The woman he had admired no longer appeared the same to him. That night, the anticipation of romance gave way to emotional devastation, leaving behind a story of love, misunderstanding, and heartbreak that continues to be revisited decades later.
