Actor Satyajeet Puri, who appeared as a child artist in Dev Anand's 1971 cult classic Hare Rama Hare Krishna, has revisited a formative memory of working with the legendary actor-filmmaker — one that centred not on a script or a scene, but on a pair of boots and the philosophy behind them.

The Boots That Delayed a Shoot

Puri recently recalled how Dev Anand's deep fondness for boots set off an unexpected chain of events during the film's production. The veteran star insisted that the young actor be given a proper pair of boots for his role. 'Mr. Dev was very fond of boots. So he told me that we buy these boots for you. But at that time, in 1971, boots for a small child was a big deal as there were not even any boots for an adult,' Puri said.

The search for a suitable pair proved so difficult that the shoot was reportedly delayed by around 10 to 15 days. The sequence in question had originally been planned for Montreal, Canada, but snowfall forced the team to recreate the set back home at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai. 'We were going to do this shooting in Montreal, that is, Canada-Montreal. But it was snowing there. So we put that set here in Mehboob Studios,' Puri recalled.

A Life Lesson Hidden in Footwear

When the specially made boots finally arrived, Puri asked Dev Anand directly why footwear mattered so much to him. The answer has stayed with him ever since. 'I asked Mr. Dev, I said, 'uncle, why are boots so important?' He said, 'son, boots are very important,'' Puri recounted.

Dev Anand's reasoning, as Puri shared it, was rooted in character: 'Because the person who wears boots, that person remains serious in life. The person who wears slippers and roams around is not serious.' Puri said the advice shaped the way he reads people to this day. 'That thing is still in my mind. That is, if I go somewhere and see someone wearing slippers, then I know that this person is not serious. Or when I see his boots, I know the quality of this boot, whether he has polished it or not, how this person will be. Dev saab put that in my mind.'

About Hare Rama Hare Krishna

Released in 1971, Hare Rama Hare Krishna was directed by Dev Anand and featured him alongside Zeenat Aman and Mumtaz. The film became a major commercial success and remains celebrated for its music, particularly the iconic compositions by R.D. Burman. For Puri, the film holds a special place: 'And then, the shooting of Hare Ram Hare Krishna took place. The flowers and stars were shown. And that film was a very big hit of my life.'

Dev Anand's Legacy in Hindi Cinema

By the time Hare Rama Hare Krishna released, Dev Anand had already cemented his status as one of Hindi cinema's most enduring figures. His filmography included Baazi, Taxi Driver, CID, Kala Pani, Guide, Jewel Thief, and Johny Mera Naam. His production banner Navketan Films also gave him the platform to back unconventional stories and introduce new talent to the industry.

Puri's recollection adds a personal dimension to the Dev Anand legacy — a reminder that the star's influence extended well beyond the screen, shaping the outlook of those who worked alongside him even as children.