Waheeda Rehman Recalls Rejecting Dev Anand's Masterpiece Guide
In a recent candid conversation, legendary actress Waheeda Rehman shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about the iconic 1965 film Guide, starring Dev Anand. She revealed that she initially refused to be part of this cinematic masterpiece, and it was only through Dev Anand's unwavering stubbornness and persistent efforts that she eventually agreed to take on the role.
The Initial Refusal and Director Dispute
Speaking to ETimes, Waheeda Rehman admitted, "I almost didn't do Guide." She explained that her decision stemmed from a strained professional relationship with director Raj Khosla, who was originally slated to direct the film. The two had experienced significant differences of opinion during an earlier collaboration, which led to a fallout. "I never worked with him after that. I wasn't willing to change that for Guide or any other film," she stated firmly, highlighting her principled stance at the time.
Dev Anand's Persistent Campaign
Despite her refusal, Dev Anand was determined to cast Waheeda Rehman. He repeatedly urged her to move past the old conflicts, asking her to "let bygones be bygones." However, Waheeda remained resolute, recalling, "But I refused to budge." In an attempt to find a compromise, she even suggested that Dev Anand's brother, Vijay Anand, should direct the film instead. Unfortunately, Vijay Anand was occupied with the shooting of Tere Ghar Ke Samne at that time, making this option unfeasible initially.
Further Complications and Ultimate Casting
The production faced additional hurdles when another director, Chetan Anand, was brought on board. Interestingly, Chetan Anand did not favor casting Waheeda Rehman and reportedly preferred Priya Rajvansh for the role. "I think Chetan Saab wanted Priya Rajvanshji. But Dev was adamant," Waheeda recounted. The filmmakers were specifically looking for a heroine with strong dancing skills, a requirement that Priya Rajvansh did not meet. This crucial factor, combined with Dev Anand's insistence, ultimately led to Waheeda Rehman being cast in the film, which was eventually directed by Vijay Anand.
A Comfortable Professional Bond
Waheeda Rehman also reflected on her warm and comfortable equation with Dev Anand, with whom she had made her Hindi film debut in CID. She fondly remembered how he insisted she call him simply "Dev" rather than using formal titles like "Anandji" or "Dev Sahab." He would teasingly ask, "Do I look like a school teacher to you?" This informal address continued throughout their association, with Waheeda calling him Dev until the end of his life.
The film Guide went on to become one of the most memorable and celebrated works in both their careers, showcasing their exceptional chemistry and talent. This revelation adds a new layer of intrigue to the legacy of this classic Bollywood gem, illustrating how perseverance and artistic vision can overcome initial obstacles to create timeless cinema.
