DEV ANAND was undoubtedly and unarguably the epitome of romance in Indian cinema who became - a legend and a star with great zest for life and cinema. Who can ever forget him? Dev Anand breathed his last yesterday morning at a hotel in London where he had gone for a short holiday with his family. He suffered a cardiac arrest in his sleep in the wee hours of the morning and quietly passed away. He was 88.
The name Dev Anand always brings to mind all the romantic songs of the era and I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of that era of romance. We grew up humming the melodious songs of his films that were full of promise, life and hope. I have watched most of his films and loved his unique style of swagger and acting. There was always something that we could carry away with us in all his films. Recently, one of his old time hits "Hum Dono" was released in color in all the theaters and I couldn't resist the urge to go watch the film. I dragged my husband (who likes fast action films mostly) to a late night show of the film and enjoyed every bit of it! The opening song "Abhi na Jao Chodkar" has always been a personal favorite and watching it in color (beauty of Sadhana and Dev Anand) set the mood for the rest of the movie. Although it seemed a little slow as compared to the fast paced movies of today's generation, it was still a treat to sit back and enjoy the songs and see Dev Anand in a double role on the silver screen after ages. It was definitely worth watching and am glad that Dev Anand did not agree for a remake of any of his old hits, like so many other movies are being targeted. There just cannot be another Dev Anand!
Watch Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar ( In Colour ) -- Hum Dono
Bollywood has lost a true legend and a "Jewel", an icon who will remain evergreen and young in our hearts and minds for a long time to come. He was an inspiration to many actors of almost five generations and will continue to inspire many more. He always gave us something new and unique in all his films and introduced many leading actors and actresses of his time like, Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman, Zeenat Aman etc...Most of his films were super duper hits and the songs were to die for. He brought in music legends like SD Burman, Sahir Ludhianwi and even RD Burman to make soulful music that touched every man's chord.
Watch - Tere Mere Sapne Ab Ek Rang Hain - Guide
His path breaking movie was "Guide" where he plays the role of "Raju the guide" and has an affair with a married woman (Waheeda Rahman). The movie went on to be a Jubilee Box Office hit in the theatres in India and abroad.
Prem Pujari and Jewel Thief were movies that were close to his heart. Again the songs in the movies went on to become chart busters. Watch the videos below and enjoy.
Prem Pujari - Phoolon Ke Rang Se Dil Ki Kalam Se
Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara - Jewel Thief
Dev Anand gave us romance, beautiful soulful music that remains evergreen even today and unmatched, beautiful films that had simple stories from life, and a plethora of beautiful heroines and actors. His films can be watched again and again, without getting bored and has something to offer to all age groups. He will always remain fresh, youthful and energetic in our memory, like he was in real life. He had a zest for life and cinema that was captured on screen with his award-winning performances. Dev Anand was described by most as a suave, westernized, Anglophile star, the first really cool hero of the Hindi screen. I pay my tribute to this great man and the evergreen legend...DEV ANAND! Let's take a look back at his most memorable movies: Hum Ek Hain (1946) – This was Dev Anand's first movie as an actor.
Watch some of his greatest hits across the five decades on you tube videos here: Enjoy!
Baazi (1951) - Geeta Bali
Solva Saal (1958) - 'Hain apna dil to awara'
Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963) - Dil Ka Bhanwar
Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)- Dum Maro Dum
Heera Panna (1973) - Heera ki Tammanna
Swami Dada (1982) - Pyar Lo Pyar Do
Awwal Number (1990) -Poochhona Kaisa Mazaa Aa Raha Hai
