Deven Bhojani Reflects on Aamir Khan's Influence in Iconic Film 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar'
In a recent interview, actor and director Deven Bhojani opened up about his cherished experiences while working on the 1992 coming-of-age sports action drama 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar'. Directed and co-written by Mansoor Khan, the film starred Aamir Khan, Ayesha Jhulka, Deepak Tijori, Mamik Singh, Pooja Bedi, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda in lead roles. Bhojani, who played a friend to Aamir's character, also assisted director Mansoor Khan, an opportunity that profoundly shaped his career path.
A College Friendship That Sparked a Career Shift
Deven Bhojani and Aamir Khan have maintained a close friendship since their college days. During the filming of 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar', Aamir encouraged Deven to expand his horizons beyond acting. "Aamir told me, 'You are such a good actor, you should also assist someone and get technical knowledge. It will help you as an actor to understand position and light,'" Bhojani recalled. This advice led him to start assisting Mansoor Khan on the same project, marking the beginning of his journey into direction.
Discovering a Passion for Direction Through Reshoots
Parts of the film had to be re-shot from scratch, providing Deven with a unique opportunity to join the team in a more technical capacity. He gradually developed a liking for direction work, stating, "I also became inclined towards direction and started seeing things from a different perspective." However, after the film's release, acting offers surged, forcing him to temporarily pause his directing ambitions. Despite this, the experience left a lasting impact on his career trajectory.
Fun On-Set Moments and Professional Growth
As an assistant director, Bhojani's responsibilities included checking continuity, a task that often led to playful interactions with Aamir Khan. "Working with Aamir Khan on 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' was fun, since we are college friends, we used to bond very well," he shared. Aamir would deliberately test him with small details, such as asking about the color of his socks or the folds in his sleeves, adding a lighthearted dynamic to the shoots.
Learning from Director Mansoor Khan
Bhojani also recounted an incident where Mansoor Khan scolded him for misunderstanding the clap routine on set. Initially, Deven waited for the word 'action' before clapping, but later, Mansoor asked him to give cues to other actors. He became so proficient at this that people jokingly suggested he should play Pooja Bedi's role, highlighting his versatility and quick learning.
The Legacy of 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar'
Meanwhile, 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' remains an iconic film in Bollywood, following a college student who participates in a cycling race to win back his pride and love. The film's enduring popularity underscores its cultural significance, and Bhojani's reflections offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into its making, emphasizing the collaborative spirit and personal growth that defined the project.
