Shatrughan Sinha hated his scarred face and nearly got plastic surgery. One actor stopped him and it changed his life forever

Economic Times

18 hours ago

Agencies The Unconventional Rise of Shatrughan Sinha
Shatrughan Sinha, widely recognized for his powerful screen presence, distinct baritone, and memorable delivery of dialogues, has built an enduring legacy across over 150 films in Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Bengali languages. However, the road to success was filled with obstacles, particularly in his early years. Despite having acting talent, he often found himself rejected. The barrier wasn't his performance but rather his appearance, which was often criticized for not fitting the conventional mold of a leading man.
In those formative days, the young aspiring actor found himself burdened by others' negative opinions about his facial features. Shatrughan began doubting his chances of making it in an industry that prioritized physical perfection. Feeling cornered by constant criticism, he once contemplated undergoing plastic surgery to alter his appearance in the hope of becoming more acceptable in mainstream cinema.
In a conversation with Curly Tales, Sinha opened up about this critical moment in his life. He recalled how serious he had become about changing his looks and how he had even consulted a medical professional. The doctors had agreed to proceed with cosmetic surgery, and for a moment, it seemed likely that he would go through with it.But destiny had a different plan. Shatrughan sought the advice of Dev Anand, the evergreen star of Indian cinema, who was not only a senior colleague but also a mentor-like figure in his life. Dev Anand offered him a perspective that completely changed his mind. According to Sinha, Dev believed that his unique features were what made him stand out, and if he achieved success, those very elements would define his on-screen persona.
"I had big dreams, but I was afraid. How would I become an actor with such a scarred face? People would say, 'Do something about this scarred face.' At the time, I agreed. I even went to a doctor and asked for plastic surgery to fix it. The doctor said it could be done. But then I went to Dev Saab. He believed in me deeply, and he told me, 'Never do it. Your personality is unique. One day, this will become your signature style,'' the 'Kali Charan' star told Curly Tales. Dev Anand even shared a personal anecdote—pointing out the gap between his own teeth, which he had never corrected and which eventually became a distinctive part of his charm. Through this heartfelt guidance, he convinced Shatrughan that what seemed like a flaw today could become his greatest asset in the future.Thanks to Dev Anand's advice, Shatrughan decided against altering his appearance. In hindsight, that decision proved monumental. The rugged charm, the very features he once considered unappealing, became key elements of his signature style and enduring popularity. Audiences came to admire his individuality, which set him apart in an industry often governed by uniform beauty standards.Beyond their meaningful off-screen connection, Shatrughan Sinha and Dev Anand also collaborated in several films. Their professional relationship included working together in popular Hindi movies such as Prem Pujari (1970), Gambler (1971), and Shareef Budmaash (1973), strengthening both their friendship and their cinematic legacy.