Dev Anand's Heartbreak Over Zeenat Aman and Raj Kapoor: Friend Questions Actress's Silence
In a revealing insight into Bollywood's golden era, one of Dev Anand's closest friends has spoken out about the actor's alleged heartbreak involving Zeenat Aman and Raj Kapoor. The legendary actor-director, known for his charismatic persona, reportedly fell deeply in love with Zeenat Aman during the filming of Hare Rama Hare Krishna in 1971. However, a fateful party encounter shattered his romantic aspirations, leading to a poignant chapter in his life that continues to spark debate decades later.
The Incident That Broke Dev Anand's Heart
According to Mohan Churiwala, a trusted confidant of Dev Anand, the actor had planned to confess his feelings to Zeenat Aman over a romantic dinner at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. Before their planned rendezvous, they attended a social gathering where Zeenat's interaction with Raj Kapoor took an unexpectedly intimate turn. Dev Anand observed Raj Kapoor embracing Zeenat in a manner that seemed "a little too familiar", as he later described in his autobiography, Romancing with Life. This moment, coupled with a conversation about Zeenat promising to wear only white clothes for Raj Kapoor, left Dev Anand feeling betrayed and heartbroken.
Mohan Churiwala emphasized that Dev Anand felt particularly hurt because he believed Zeenat had kept her closeness with Raj Kapoor a secret, despite their own growing bond. "Dev sahab felt that Zeenat at least should have hinted him about Raj Kapoor," Mohan stated, highlighting the actor's sense of disillusionment. The incident led Dev Anand to abruptly leave the party, canceling the planned dinner and retreating into solitude, his dreams of romance with Zeenat dashed in an instant.
Zeenat Aman's Response and the Ongoing Controversy
Years after Dev Anand's passing, Zeenat Aman publicly addressed these claims in a 2023 Instagram post, expressing her dismay and anger. She refuted the insinuations of a romantic involvement with Raj Kapoor, stating she felt humiliated and hurt by the allegations. Zeenat described Dev Anand as a mentor she admired platonically and lamented that he would publish such stories without verification. Notably, she admitted to never reading the autobiography, instead storing her copy away in frustration.
Mohan Churiwala, however, has questioned Zeenat's timing, pointing out that Dev Anand was alive for four years after the book's launch in 2007. "Why didn't she confront him when he was alive?" he asked, suggesting that her public refutation only after his death raises doubts about her motives. This perspective adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, fueling ongoing discussions about truth and memory in Bollywood lore.
Legacy of a Bollywood Love Triangle
The story of Dev Anand, Zeenat Aman, and Raj Kapoor remains a captivating tale of unrequited love and professional dynamics in Indian cinema. It underscores the personal sacrifices and emotional turmoil often hidden behind the glamour of stardom. As fans and historians revisit this episode, it serves as a reminder of the human vulnerabilities that shaped some of Bollywood's most iconic figures. The debate over what truly transpired continues to intrigue, ensuring that this legendary triangle endures in the annals of film history.
