The late veteran Dev Anand was one of the most successful and legendary actors of the Hindi film industry. Remembered for films like Guide, Jewel Thief, Hum Dono, CID, Kaala Paani, Johny Mera Naam and Hare Rama Hare Krishna, the superstar made a huge contribution to Hindi cinema for several decades.
Dev Anand wanted to cast Rajeev Khandelwal in a film after his debut film Aamir. The Showtime actor revealed how their first meeting went.
Rajeev Khandelwal recalls meeting Dev Anand after his debut in Aamir film
In a recent interview with Radio Nasha, Rajeev Khandelwal shared his experience of meeting the legendary Dev Anand when the latter called him for a film in 2008. Though Khandelwal did not want to sign his film, he still wanted to meet him.
The Aamir actor recalled that Dev Anand was the only person he would approach with his camera.
Khandelwal said he doesn’t usually touch people’s feet unless it’s to pay respect to his elders, whom he deeply admires. The 48-year-old actor bent down to touch the feet of the legendary Dev Anand.
He recalled, “I went up to Dev sahab and touched his feet. He stopped me right there and asked, ‘What are you doing?’ I said, ‘Sir, you inspire me.'”
Quoting Dev Anand, Khandelwal said, “If that is the case then I should touch your feet, because youngsters like you inspire me a lot.”
Khandelwal was surprised by the way Dev Anand treated him with utmost respect.
Rajeev Khandelwal asked Dev Anand about botox
In the same interview, Rajeev Khandelwal further revealed that he had even posed for a photo with Dev Anand after the first meeting. Khandelwal recalled asking the late legend a “stupid” question and said that he had asked Dev Anand if he had taken any botox treatment or not.
Khandelwal recalled that Dev Anand’s skin “looked so fresh”, adding that the legend laughed at it. The superstar advised him to “think good, stay happy and be positive”.
He also narrated the story of his script, but Khandelwal later refused to work with him.
Khandelwal concluded by saying that he was saddened to have rejected Dev Anand’s Navketan Films project. The legendary actor died of a heart attack in 2011 at the age of 83.
Rajeev Khandelwal’s notable films include Aamir, Table No. 21, Shaitan and Court Martial.
Also read: When Shah Rukh Khan walked up to Rajeev Khandelwal and introduced himself; Showtime actor said ‘Don’t make me feel bad’
