Today, Aamir Khan is known as Bollywood’s ultimate perfectionist—an actor who refuses to associate with a film unless he is fully convinced by its script. Over the years, this approach has seen him walk away from several high-profile projects. But early in his career, Aamir once made a rare exception—and that too without even asking for the story.The film was Awwal Number (1990), directed by legendary actor-filmmaker Dev Anand.Recounting the incident in a recent conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Dev Anand’s close friend Mohan Churiwala revealed how Aamir agreed to do the film purely out of respect for Dev Anand.“Aamir Khan has said in an interview that Awwal Number is the only film where his father told him, ‘Don’t ask about the story, don’t ask about the script, don’t even talk about the money. Just go and say yes to Dev Saab,’” Mohan shared.He added, “Dev Saab’s stature was such from the very beginning.”
‘Dev Saab was the best paymaster’
In the same conversation, Mohan spoke at length about Dev Anand’s professionalism—especially when it came to payments.“His assistants used to tell me that Dev Saab was the best paymaster. Forget late payments, he would personally call people and make sure they were paid,” he said.Recalling an incident involving late comedian Birbal, Mohan added, “Birbal has written on his YouTube channel that he worked in Lootmaar, and since the film didn’t do well, there were some payments he hadn’t taken. Dev Saab called him and said, ‘Birbal, come immediately and collect your cheque.’”According to Mohan, box office performance never dictated Dev Anand’s ethics.
When SD Burman refused to do Hare Rama Hare Krishna
Mohan also recalled a lesser-known episode involving legendary composer SD Burman and Dev Anand’s cult classic Hare Rama Hare Krishna.“When Burman Dada heard the story, he stood up and said, ‘Don’t make this film. This is a disgusting story. What is wrong with you to even plan such a story?’” Mohan said.Burman’s reaction deeply shook Dev Anand. Realising the discomfort, he decided to introduce an additional character to ensure there was no inappropriate angle involving his character and the sister.Despite the changes, SD Burman remained firm. “‘Don’t make this film. I don’t want to do it, and you shouldn’t either,’” Mohan recalled.
Dev Anand stayed firm
Unfazed by the resistance, Dev Anand went ahead with Hare Rama Hare Krishna, eventually roping in RD Burman for the music. The film went on to become a landmark in Hindi cinema.Much like that decision, Awwal Number too reflected a phase where Dev Anand’s legacy and reputation carried enough weight for even a young Aamir Khan to say yes—without a script, without a narration, and without questions. A decision that feels almost unthinkable in today’s era of contracts, clauses and creative control.
