For Anand, Hrishikesh Mukherjee wanted a performer who could make the audience laugh and cry simultaneously.
The search was for a natural actor rather than a conventional hero. Secondly, the character’s blend of childlike innocence, deep emotional pathos and singing ability matched Kishore’s real-life personna.
However, the collabration did not happen for two reasons. The first was an unfortunate misunderstanding. Kishore who was upset after not being paid by a Bengali show organiser, had instructed his gatekeeper to shoo away Bengali visitors. Unfortunately Hrishikesh Mukherjee turned up and the gatekeeper turned away Mukherjee not letting him to meet Kishore Kumar.
Later, after the misunderstanding was resolved, one day Kishore appeared completely bald to avoid playing the role. In his very funny and unique way, this was an indication that he was not keen to act in that emotional, non-comic film.
If this was not enough, he also reportedly danced and sang, “What will you do now Hrishi?”
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