Shatrughan Sinha, now a celebrated actor known for his distinct appearance, once came close to altering his face with plastic surgery, a decision thankfully stopped by the legendary Dev Anand.
Early Struggles and “Unconventional” Looks
Shatrughan Sinha is a household name today, celebrated for his intense performances, booming voice, and iconic dialogue delivery across more than 150 films. Yet, his journey to stardom was anything but smooth.
Early in his career, he faced repeated rejections. Not for a lack of talent, but because many in the industry deemed his looks “unconventional” and not typical for a leading man.
Nearly Changing His Signature Face
The constant remarks about his appearance took a toll on the aspiring actor. He began to internalize the criticism, fearing that his “scarred” or “cut-up” face would prevent him from achieving his dreams.
So determined was he to “fix” what he perceived as flaws, that he even went as far as consulting a plastic surgeon. The doctor confirmed that the procedure could be done, offering him a path to alter his face.
Dev Anand’s Timeless Advice
Before proceeding, Shatrughan Sinha sought counsel from Dev Anand, a respected figure in the film fraternity who held a deep belief in him. Dev Anand strongly advised him against the surgery.
He told Sinha, “Never do it. Your personality is unique. One day, this will become your signature style.” He explained that what Sinha saw as a “minus point” could actually become his “biggest plus.”
To further illustrate his point, Dev Anand used his own example: “Look, I have a gap between my teeth, and I’ve never filled it. Now people remember me for that.”
From Perceived Flaw to Iconic Trademark
Dev Anand’s profound words resonated with Shatrughan Sinha. He understood that his unique features, which he once wanted to change, could indeed become his lasting screen identity.
Heeding the sage advice, Shatrughan Sinha abandoned his plans for surgery. Today, his distinct facial features and powerful screen presence are synonymous with his iconic persona, proving Dev Anand’s foresight.
A Bond Forged in Wisdom and Work
The connection between Shatrughan Sinha and Dev Anand wasn’t just one of mentorship; they also shared screen space in several notable Hindi films in the early 1970s.
Their collaborations included films like *Prem Pujari* (1970), *Gambler* (1971), and *Shareef Budmaash* (1973), further solidifying their professional and personal bond.
- Shatrughan Sinha considered plastic surgery early in his career due to rejections over his “unconventional looks.”
- Legendary actor Dev Anand convinced him not to proceed, arguing that his unique features would become his signature.
- Dev Anand cited his own example, including the gap in his teeth, to show how perceived flaws could become strengths.
- Sinha’s distinct appearance is now a crucial part of his iconic and successful image.
Shatrughan Sinha’s story stands as a powerful testament to embracing one’s true self, proving that what seems like an imperfection can, with the right perspective, become a defining strength.
