Dev Anand’s 2007 autobiography launch was expected to be a star-studded celebration, but it quietly turned into an awkward episode. Years later, his close associate Mohan Churiwala recalled how the legendary actor was left waiting outside Amitabh Bachchan’s Jalsa, leaving Dev Anand wondering if he had unknowingly upset someone.Recalling the 2007 book launch, Churiwala revealed that Amar Singh had personally volunteered to bring Amitabh Bachchan to the event. “He asked, ‘Hum Amitabh ji ko bula lein?’ I said, ‘Bula lo’,” Mohan recalled in an interview with Vickey Lalwani, adding that Amar had promised to arrive with Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Ambani and Tina Ambani.

“They said they would stay for dinner”

Despite assurances, things took an unexpected turn. Amar Singh and the Bachchans left before the event concluded. “Dev saab wondered, ‘Did they feel bad about something?’” Mohan shared, recalling the veteran actor’s quiet confusion after the guests departed without staying for dinner.

“He didn’t come out for 15 minutes”

Determined to personally hand over copies of his autobiography, Dev Anand accompanied Mohan Churiwala to Jalsa the next day. “I honked. The watchman came out, asked us about our visit and went inside. He didn’t come out for 15 minutes,” Mohan said. Amar Singh emerged another ten minutes later, prompting Dev Anand to ask, “It has been a while. Why is it taking so long?”

“I was glad this came out after Dev saab’s death”

After Dev Anand’s passing in 2011, Amar Singh revealed that permission from Amitabh Bachchan was required to allow guests inside Jalsa. “If Dev saab had heard that someone had to seek permission to let him in, he would have felt very bad,” Mohan said, adding, “I was glad this came out after his death.”