In the golden era of Hindi cinema, the 1950s was dominated by three names: Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, and Dev Anand. These actors were not only the biggest stars of their generation but also close friends who shared a sense of humor and the confidence to speak their minds. This legendary trio once found themselves in the presence of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and what transpired was a lighthearted moment that has since become a delightful piece of cinematic and political lore.
According to Raj Kapoor: The One and Only Showman, Raj Kapoor recounted a memorable visit to Nehru's residence at Teen Murti Bhavan. The three stars were invited to spend time with the Prime Minister, who had recently recovered from a stroke. Raj shared that Nehru "looked mellow and somewhat resigned" at that point. However, the mood quickly changed once Nehru welcomed them with warmth and laughter. Raj shared, "We all opened up, as if we had found a long-lost friend," noting that the Prime Minister reciprocated their warmth with "childlike joy".
The atmosphere became so relaxed and jovial that the trio decided to tease Nehru about the much-gossiped-about subject of his relationship with Lady Edwina Mountbatten. Raj described how they playfully asked Nehru, "We hear you used to be very popular and amorously attracted to ladies wherever you went, Panditji!". Nehru, quick with wit, replied with a smile, "Not as popular as you fellows are!".
Encouraged by his response, the actors took the banter a step further. According to reports, Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor asked Nehru, "Your devastating smile stole the heart of Lady Mountbatten… is it true, sir?". Nehru blushed and laughed, brushing it off with good humor. "I love all these stories about me!" he said, clearly enjoying the moment.
Notably, Dev Anand also spoke about Nehru's relationship with Edwina Mountbatten. In 1962, Dev Anand, who was 39 at the time, had directly asked Jawaharlal Nehru: "Is it true, Sir, that your devastating smile stole the heart of Lady Mountbatten?". At the time, calling out India's first Prime Minister for his alleged extramarital relations with Edwina was a bold move that could have potentially ruined the actor's career.
The rumored relationship between Nehru and Lady Mountbatten has been a topic of discussion and speculation for many years. They had formed a deep bond after meeting in 1947, and their close friendship lasted until Edwina's death 13 years later. Some biographers have suggested that Edwina's husband, Lord Mountbatten, was aware of their connection and chose to "turn a blind eye". Some claim that they exchanged letters until she died in 1960. It is also written that she was connected to Nehru to such an extent that her husband turned a blind eye.
Whether their relationship was platonic or romantic remains unconfirmed, but their connection was undeniably profound. The anecdote of Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor teasing Nehru highlights the charismatic Prime Minister's ability to take such questions in stride, and with good humor.
