The 88-year-old evergreen hero passed away yesterday. Death is a certainty and will come to all. But, artists with their body of work stay alive in our hearts and minds. The best thing about Dev saab was that he really did live his life on his own terms. He had an illustrious career as an actor, producer and director that spanned many decades. His later movies were forgettable, but he made them because he wanted to make them. He was sharp and witty even at this age. I watched his interviews and wry sense of humor as late as a couple of months ago. Isn’t that what we all desire? To be old but healthy, on our toes, retaining our intellect and living life on our terms and to the fullest because you really get only one chance.
A stalwart from the trilogy of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand, he had a special place in his audience’s hearts. I especially loved his movies Guide (ahead of its time), Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, CID, Jewel Thief, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Heera Panna and so many others. His style, his stylish good looks, his fidgety movements, funny way of running and his quirky dialogue delivery were all his trademarks and endearing to the audience. He has given some outstanding songs to the Hindi film industry and introduced some wonderful heroines. I remember that when I recently visited Qutab Minar, I was disappointed to note that we were no longer allowed to go inside. Who can forget the memorable song shot in Qutab Minar “Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar.” I have many, many favorites among his songs. These are two among those:
May You Rest in Peace. A lively man with a never-say-die spirit, you are sure to inspire generations of Hindi filmgoers. First we lost Shammi Kapoor and now Dev Anand, this year has deprived us of our shining stars!
He was known as the Gregory Peck of India and many women of my generation swooned over him. One of my friends is in mourning for the loss. His songs were what made the movies superhits and first Rafi and then both Rafi and Kishore gave his songs life. What I love about him is his attitude — never say die, never give up and go with his boots on.
Hmmm somehow i did not find him that way, I think it was the song writers and the singers who sang the song.. that made Dev Anand and Also Rajesh khanna such bighuge super heroes ..
all the good songs are picturised on them ..
But he is a human being so Yes Ret in peace and my condolensces to the family ..
Bikram’s
RIP Dev Anand!
@cybernag I agree about the attitude part.
@bikram Of course, due credit to the lyricists, music directors and singers, but he brought his own charm to it. In my opinion, he was a good actor and chose many topics that were ahead of their time. I don’t judge him on his personal life just for his acting. But to each his own :).
@Shilpa Rest in Peace, Dev.
A very charismatic actor and a fine human being! Lived his life fully!A good post
Quoting a tweet I read recently – Let me tell you what. Dev Anand never dies. Dev Anand only leaves the world for a charming career in Heavenlywood.
ya RIP DA..i had met him personally in dxb a couple of yrs ago rachna..hence i feel the loss more…he signed and gave his book…which my sis-in-law grabbed fm me..
A very handsome and a very good actor. I loved his style, the way he walked, everything about him was very good.
I have seen almost all his pictures.
@Rahul Thank you! Indeed, so charismatic and filled with a rare joy for life.
@Purba Nice tweet! Absolutely reflects the sentiment of many of us. Thanks for sharing.
@Ramesh Oh, you are so lucky!
@rama Me too! I loved all his old movies.
Let him RIP…great entertainer…
I really liked his old movie.
his movies songs are very good, but in last 20 years he made totally illogical movies.But the best thing was he nevr merged with the character,he was always Dev Anand..
I loved him !’ Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ to me is one of the best movier ever .I admired him for his charming personality ,energy and postive attitude.
I liked him for his never die spirit. He died young, he is an example of age is all in the mind.
Charming actor!
He was a very nice human being.A lot of nonsense was written about his personal life,which wasnt true.
I had an oppurtunaty of knowing him during making of “Awaal Number”.In fact, in the last scene,he made me give the trophy to Aamir Khan(part of movie)
Yes,I cant forget “Pakoras” i had at his house.
may his soul rest in peace
@ashok thanks for visiting my blog.
@A Just one old movie :).
@Renu Yes, he was his own person.
@Insignia Absolutely agree.
@BKC Wow, you are lucky to have interacted with him and known him beyond a movie star. And, that was some interesting trivia. I will sure look you up when I catch up the movie “Awwal Number” again. thanks for sharing.
The best thing about him was that he was a non controversial person.
In one of his interviews he said “keep doing the things you like to do, and don’t bother about success or failure”
Yeah Rachna,, it is sad that Dev Saab will not longer be with us. There was something so attractive about him- what we call Andaaz! No one like him!!!
Dev Anand was such a mesmerizing actor.
This year we have lost so many versatile and commendable people 🙁
Love
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