Veteran Bollywood icon Shatrughan Sinha recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane on the sets of 'Indian Idol', fondly remembering how legendary filmmaker-actor Dev Anand launched his cinematic journey and shaped his signature screen presence. Reflecting on his first breakthrough role as a Pakistani character in the 1970 classic 'Prem Pujari', the veteran actor revealed how a brief but powerful single-take dialogue earned spontaneous applause from the entire crew, including Dev Anand himself. Sinha shared the invaluable artistic wisdom he received from the megastar that day: a strict warning against imitation and a reminder to maintain strict originality.
Breakthrough moment in 'Prem Pujari' and Dev Anand's timely advice on creativity
Shatrughan Sinha shared that one of his earliest appearances was in Prem Pujari. The role, though brief, left a strong impression on audiences and the film unit. He remembered performing a scene where he portrayed a Pakistani character. The reaction on set surprised him at the time. His dialogue delivery received spontaneous applause from those present. The moment marked his first experience of recognition in front of a major film crew. He also recalled a personal interaction with Dev Anand after the scene. The veteran star offered him a piece of advice that stayed with him throughout his career.
He said, “Meri zindagi ki shuruwat Dev Sahab ke saath hi hui thi. Dev Sahab ne na mujhe sirf promote kiya, unka aashirwad mila mujhko. Unhone ek film mein mujhe kaam diya tha. Bhale chhota role tha, lekin kaafi naam hua usmein, tareef hui. Kamal ka role tha Prem Pujari film. Ek gaana hai 'Phoolon Ke Rang Se, Dil Ki Kalam Se', toh Dev Sahab ne woh role diya aur main usmein kaam karne gaya. Pakistani karne ka role tha. Aur wahan pe jab maine dialogue bola, wahan taaliyan baji jitne log the wahan pe.” (“My journey in life began with Dev Sahab. He didn't just promote me; I received his blessings. He gave me work in a film. Although it was a small role, it brought me a lot of recognition and appreciation. It was a wonderful role in the film Prem Pujari. There is a song called 'Phoolon Ke Rang Se, Dil Ki Kalam Se', and Dev Sahab gave me that role, and I went on to perform in it. It was a Pakistani character. And when I delivered my dialogue there, everyone present applauded.”)
He emphasized how Dev Anand encouraged learning but warned against imitation. He further added, “Phir Dev Sahab dheere se mere paas aaye aur director ke saamne kaha, Kisi se prabhavit hona achhi baat hai, kisi se utsaha aur energy lena bahut achhi baat hai, seekhna bahut achhi baat hai, par copy mat karo. Apni originality maintain rakho.” (“Then Dev Sahab quietly came to me and, in front of the director, said that it is good to be influenced by someone, it is good to draw enthusiasm and energy from others, and it is good to learn, but do not copy. Maintain your originality.”)
Shatrughan Sinha recalled that the same day became unforgettable for him. After delivering a long dialogue in a single shot, he received unexpected admiration from the crew. He said, “Woh baat mujhe yaad hai. Uske baad jo maine shot diya, ek shot mein bahut lamba dialogue tha. Sabse zyada taali kisne bajayi? Camera ke saamne aake Dev Anand ji ne khud bajayi. Aur ussi din itne khush hue the woh” (“I still remember that advice. After that, I gave a shot which had a very long dialogue in a single take. Who clapped the loudest? Dev Anand ji himself came in front of the camera and applauded. He was extremely happy that day.”)
Sinha also mentioned that Dev Anand later offered him another small role in the film Gambler. Though the role was brief, it further expanded his early exposure in the industry. Shatrughan Sinha's last major film appearance was in the comedy-drama 'Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se'.
