Shatrughan Sinha recalls Dev Anand's loudest clap and golden career advice
Synopsis
Shatrughan Sinha's appearance on Indian Idol delivered more than nostalgia — it surfaced a defining moment: Dev Anand clapping loudest for a newcomer's long-dialogue shot and quietly advising him to 'never copy, always stay original.' That counsel, given on the set of Prem Pujari, reportedly shaped the entire arc of Sinha's career.
Key Takeaways
Shatrughan Sinha will appear on Indian Idol to share memories of his early career and his bond with the late Dev Anand .
Sinha's first notable role came in Dev Anand 's film Prem Pujari , where he played a Pakistani character and received on-set applause from the crew.
Dev Anand advised Sinha: 'Be inspired, draw energy from others, but never copy — always preserve your originality.' After a subsequent shot featuring a long dialogue, Dev Anand himself stepped in front of the camera to lead the applause for Sinha.
Sinha also worked with Dev Anand again in the film Gambler , once more in a supporting role.
Veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha is set to appear on the upcoming episode of the music reality show Indian Idol, where he will revisit the early chapters of his cinematic journey and pay tribute to the late legendary actor Dev Anand, who served as both his first employer and his most enduring mentor.
A Small Role That Made a Big Noise
Sinha recalled how his first meaningful screen opportunity came through Dev Anand's production, in a role that — though modest in size — left a lasting impression on audiences and the industry alike. The film was Prem Pujari, remembered for the iconic song 'Phoolon Ke Rang Se, Dil Ki Kalam Se'. Sinha played a Pakistani character, and when he delivered his dialogue on set, the entire crew broke into spontaneous applause.
'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,' Sinha said, sharing the memory on the show.
Dev Anand's Advice: Be Original, Never Copy
What made the moment even more significant was what followed. Dev Anand quietly pulled Sinha aside and, in front of the director, offered a piece of counsel that would define the young actor's entire career. '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,' Dev Anand reportedly told him.
The advice — to draw inspiration and energy from others but never to imitate — is a philosophy Sinha has credited throughout his decades-long career as the foundation of his distinctive screen persona.
The Loudest Applause Came From Dev Anand Himself
Sinha further recalled that in a subsequent shot featuring a particularly long dialogue, it was Dev Anand himself who led the applause — stepping in front of the camera to clap, visibly moved by the performance. 'Sabse zyada taali kisne bajayi? Camera ke saamne aake Dev Anand ji ne khud bajayi. Aur ussi din itne khush hue the woh,' Sinha said.
This detail — a legend applauding a newcomer with his own hands — encapsulates the generosity Dev Anand was known for within the industry. Notably, Sinha also revealed that he went on to work with Dev Anand again in the film Gambler, once more in a supporting capacity.
Why This Moment Resonates
The anecdote surfaces at a time when conversations around mentorship and originality in Bollywood are more relevant than ever, with a new generation of actors navigating the pressures of social media comparison and franchise-driven typecasting. Sinha's recollection is a reminder that some of Hindi cinema's most enduring careers were built on the quiet, personal guidance of those who came before — not on industry machinery alone.
The episode of Indian Idol featuring Shatrughan Sinha is expected to air shortly, offering viewers a rare window into the golden era of Hindi cinema through the eyes of one of its most distinctive voices.
Point of View
And to counsel originality over imitation, reflects a generosity that is conspicuously absent from mainstream coverage of that period. What mainstream coverage of Bollywood nostalgia tends to miss is that the industry's most durable careers were often shaped by a single, quiet conversation — not by a launch film or a PR campaign. Sinha's retelling on a mass-audience platform like Indian Idol may do more to rehabilitate the idea of mentorship in the industry than any formal initiative has managed.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dev Anand advise Shatrughan Sinha about his acting career?
Dev Anand advised Shatrughan Sinha to draw inspiration and energy from others but never to copy anyone, urging him to always preserve his own originality. He reportedly gave this advice quietly, in front of the director, on the set of Prem Pujari.
Which film did Shatrughan Sinha first work in with Dev Anand?
Shatrughan Sinha first worked with Dev Anand in the film Prem Pujari, where he played a Pakistani character in a small but well-received role. The film features the song 'Phoolon Ke Rang Se, Dil Ki Kalam Se.' He later also appeared in Dev Anand's Gambler.
Why did Dev Anand clap for Shatrughan Sinha on set?
Dev Anand reportedly led the applause after Shatrughan Sinha delivered a long dialogue in a single shot on the set of Prem Pujari, stepping in front of the camera to clap himself. According to Sinha, Dev Anand was visibly the happiest person on set that day.
Where did Shatrughan Sinha share these memories about Dev Anand?
Shatrughan Sinha shared these recollections on an upcoming episode of the music reality show Indian Idol, where he discussed the early days of his career and his mentorship under Dev Anand.
Who was Dev Anand and why is he significant in Bollywood history?
Dev Anand was a legendary Hindi film actor, director, and producer widely regarded as one of the icons of Bollywood's golden era. He was known for his distinctive style, prolific output, and his role in nurturing talent — as Shatrughan Sinha's account illustrates.
