In the golden era of Hindi cinema, three names stood as colossal pillars of stardom: Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, and Dev Anand. Dominating the 1950s silver screen with their unparalleled charm and talent, this legendary trio shared a camaraderie that extended beyond film sets. In a remarkable off-screen episode, their bold and playful spirits led them to gently tease India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, about one of the most whispered rumours of the time—his alleged romance with Lady Edwina Mountbatten.
The Historic Meeting at Teen Murti House
As recounted by Raj Kapoor in the book 'Raj Kapoor: The One and Only Showman', presented by Ritu Nanda, the three icons were once invited to spend time with Prime Minister Nehru at his official residence, Teen Murti Bhavan. The meeting occurred during a period when Nehru had recently recovered from a stroke. Kapoor noted that the Prime Minister appeared "mellow and somewhat resigned" initially, but his demeanor transformed the moment he welcomed the actors.
Nehru, holding the three stars in his arms, was in a great mood. He shared captivating stories from his global travels, enthralling his guests. The formal atmosphere of politics dissolved, replaced by a sense of genuine friendship. Raj Kapoor observed that Nehru seemed to be seeking an escape from his politically charged, pressure-ridden life, finding joy in this informal gathering.
The Daring and Playful Questioning
Emboldened by the warm and relaxed environment, the trio decided to venture into playful territory regarding the Prime Minister's personal life. They first remarked on his noted popularity with women during his travels. With his famous smile, Nehru deftly retorted, "Not as popular as you fellows are!"
Encouraged by his light-hearted response, the stars pushed further with a more pointed query. They asked him directly if it was true that his "devastating smile" had stolen the heart of Lady Edwina Mountbatten, the wife of India's last Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten. According to Kapoor's account, Nehru blushed at the question, laughed it off, and said, "I love all these stories about me!"
Dilip Kumar's Humorous Intervention
Seeing the Prime Minister's candid reaction, the thespian Dilip Kumar joined the fray in a humorous tone. He added that people believed the stories because "she herself confessed her weakness for you." This further comment was met with light-hearted laughter from Nehru, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the cheeky banter. The entire episode highlighted a rare, humanising moment for the stalwart statesman, shared with the kings of Bollywood.
This unforgettable interaction underscores the unique stature of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, and Dev Anand. They were not just film stars; they were cultural icons whose influence was so profound that they could share a moment of unreserved laughter with the Prime Minister of India. Their legacy, built on monumental talent and charismatic personalities, continues to define Bollywood's golden age. Decades later, this story adds a delightful layer to the lore of India's unforgettable cinematic trio and their place in the nation's social history.
