Hrishikesh Mukherjee stated "Contrary to what people think, Abhimaan was not made with Jaya and Amitabh in mind. Innumerable people, both inside and outside the film industry, keep asking me if I had made this film as a guideline or warning to their marriage. My answer is an emphatic 'NO'. When I first thought of the film I didn't even know Amitabh and Jaya. The story of Abhimaan was written some time In 1955, inspired by the marriage of a family friend. About a couple who were professional singers. Their marriage was heading for the rocks. Yes, Abhimaan is their real story! But there's a difference. In the real story, ego did not play as important a part as it did in my film. I added the ego bit for drama.As it turned out, it could be the story of any couple pursuing the same profession."