The Vijay Anand-Vyjayanthimala feud: A tale of ego, talent, and the making of a Bollywood classic
The legendary director Vijay Anand and the iconic actress Vyjayanthimala had a tumultuous relationship that almost derailed the making of the 1967 blockbuster 'Jewel Thief'. Their differences, as detailed in Anand's biography 'Goldie: The Man and His Movies', provide a fascinating insight into the challenges of filmmaking and the power dynamics between artists and directors.
Anand, fresh off the success of 'Guide', sought to diversify his repertoire with a spy thriller. He cast Dev Anand, Vyjayanthimala, Ashok Kumar, and Tanuja, all seasoned stars, for the film. However, his vision for the antagonist's character, a role that required an 'innocent-looking' actor, led him to choose Ashok Kumar over Raj Kumar. This decision, along with the casting of Vyjayanthimala, set the stage for a clash of personalities.
The feud began with a simple incident: Vyjayanthimala's tardiness and lack of apology. Anand, known for his strict schedules and respect for senior actors, felt disrespected. This incident, though minor, highlighted the tension between the director's authority and the star's ego. As the shoot progressed, Vyjayanthimala's relationship with Dr. Chamanlal Bali, which later blossomed into marriage, further complicated matters. Her reluctance to perform romantic scenes with Dev Anand in front of her husband caused delays and frustration for the crew.
The iconic song 'Hothon Pe Aisi Baat' became a battleground for their differences. Vyjayanthimala's late arrivals and reluctance to rehearse caused Anand to lose patience. Yet, despite the challenges, the song turned out to be a masterpiece, showcasing Vyjayanthimala's exceptional dancing skills. The biography suggests that her lack of professionalism and respect for the director's vision may have been a result of her rising fame and the influence of her personal life.
The feud reached its peak when Vyjayanthimala, after receiving the Padma Shri award, sent a cold response to Anand's congratulatory letter. Her dismissive attitude, as quoted in the book, 'You may think you are intelligent but we don’t care about you', was a stark reminder of the tension between the artist and the director. Despite their differences, 'Jewel Thief' became a commercial and critical success, a testament to the talent of the cast and crew, and a reminder of the challenges that can arise in the creative process.
In my opinion, the Vijay Anand-Vyjayanthimala feud is a fascinating study of the complexities of filmmaking. It highlights the delicate balance between artistic vision and star power, and the potential consequences when these forces collide. It also serves as a reminder that behind every blockbuster, there are often untold stories of conflict and compromise.
