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Dharam Dev Ānand born September 26, 1923), better known simply as Dev Anand, is a legendary Indian Bollywood actor and film producer. In his heyday as a star, he was considered the epitome of the suave, urban gentleman.

Dev is the second of three brothers who were active in Bollywood. His elder brother Chetan Anand was a film director, as was his younger brother, Vijay Anand.

Courtesy:Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Biography


Dev was born Devdutt Dharamlal Pishorimal Anand in Gurdaspur in undivided Punjab to a well-to-do advocate Pishorimal Anand. He graduated in English literature from the Government College, Lahore (now in Pakistan). His love for acting made him leave his hometown for the centre of the Hindi film industry, Mumbai. Dev began his career in the military censor office at Churchgate, Mumbai, for a salary of Rs. 160.

He was soon offered a break as an actor by Prabhat Talkies to star in their Hum Ek Hain (1946). While shooting for the film in Pune, Dev struck a friendship with fellow actor Guru Dutt. Soon, they were swapping shirts, double dating and sharing dreams. They made a pact: if Dev produced a film, Guru Dutt would direct it; if Guru Dutt produced a film, Dev would act in it.

Dev was offered his first big break by Ashok Kumar, his favourite star. Kumar spotted Dev hanging around in the studios and picked him as the hero for the Bombay Talkies production, Ziddi, co starring Kamini Kaushal (1948) which became a success. In 1949, Dev turned producer and launched his own company Navketan, which continues to churn out movies.

As promised, Dev gambled on Guru Dutt as director for the crime thriller, Baazi (1951). The dice rolled in favour of this creative collaboration; the Sahir Ludhianvi, lyricist song, Tadbeer se bigdi huyee taqdeer bana de, proved prophetic and Dev became a true star.

He also played a few characters with a negative shade, like in Jaal (1952). His films Rahee and Aandhiyan, were screened there along with Raj Kapoor's Awaara. In the same year, Taxi Driver was declared a hit. Dev's heroine was Kalpana Kartik again, and the two decided to marry in a quiet ceremony.

Continues......

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Marriage and the birth of son Suneil in 1956 did not affect Dev's career. A rapid-fire style of dialogue delivery, an array of hats (see for example Aye meri topi palat ke aa), and a penchant for nodding while speaking became Dev's style in films like Munimji, CID and Paying Guest. His style was lapped up by the audience and was widely imitated. He starred in a string of box office successes for the remainder of the 1950s.

Despite his characteristic style, Dev's detractors cast aspersions on his acting abilities and questioned his inclusion in the hallowed Raj Kapoor-Dilip Kumar league. Dev made them eat humble pie with his class act in Kala Pani (1958), as the son who is willing to go to any lengths "” including sweet-talking a courtesan into believing he is in love with her "” to clear his framed father's name. He won the Best Actor Award for the film.

He was romantically involved with singer-actress Suraiya and the two of them paired in six films together. She fell in love with him when "” during the shooting of a song sequence in the film "” a boat capsized and Dev Anand saved Suraiya from drowning. Her grandmother opposed the relationship and Suraiya remained unmarried all her life. [citation needed]

His first film in colour, Guide with Waheeda Rehman was based on the novel of the same name by R. K. Narayan. Dev Anand himself was the impetus for making the film version of the book. He met and persuaded Narayan to give his assent to the project. Dev Anand tapped his friends in Hollywood to lauch an Indo-US co-production that was shot in Hindi and English simultaneously and was released in 1965. This is regarded by many as his best work to-date.[citation needed]

Guide, directed by younger brother Vijay Anand, silenced the staunchest of his critics. Dev played Raju, a voluble guide who supports Rosy (Waheeda) in her bid for freedom. He is not above thoughtlessly exploiting her for personal gains. Combining style with substance, he gave an affecting performance as a man grappling with his emotions in his passage through love, shame and salvation. Guide was Dev's creative acme.

He reunited with Vijay Anand for the much-hyped Jewel Thief, featuring a bevy of beauties led by Vyjayanthimala and including Tanuja, Anju Mahendru, Faryal and Helen.

Continues.......

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Dev Anand and Mumtaz In Tere Mere Sapne

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Filmfare Awards

# 1955 - Nominated Best Actor for Munimji
# 1958 - Winner Best Actor for Kala Pani
# 1959 - Nominated Best Actor for Love Marriage
# 1960 - Nominated Best Actor for Kala Bazar
# 1961 - Nominated Best Actor for Hum Dono
# 1966 - Winner Best Actor for Guide
# 1966 - Winner Best Film for Guide [1]
# 1991 - Winner Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award

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ASJ, Thanks for all the info. This guy is a true legend. Cronin was a great writer.

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Originally posted by Alexander:
ASJ, Thanks for all the info. This guy is a true legend. Cronin was a great writer.

Alex,
Devsaab is a rear breed, a giant, some of his black and white movie films were truly gems, films like Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hain, Amardeep, and the colorful Guide:

In showcasing Dev Anand........we hope to dedicate one full page about 49 posts to this Legend. Maybe at 85 years old, he would still be looking for young and beautiful chicks to give them a break in New Movies:

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BOLLYWOOD SCREEN LEGEND: DEV ANAND:

Dev Saab expressing his love to Vijyanthimala in Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai:

Dev and Vijyanthimala: confirming love for each other:

SAU SAAL PEHLE:

I wonder what he would think of this today:

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BOLLYWOOD SCREEN LEGEND: DEV ANAND:

Dev Saab expressing his love to Vijyanthimala in Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai:

DEV ANAND: TERI ZULFON SE JUDAI TO NAHI MAANGI THI

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BOLLYWOOD SCREEN LEGEND: DEV ANAND:


Disc 1

1. Khoya Khoya Chand KALA BAZAR
2. Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare TERE GHAR KE SAMNE
3. Khwab Ho Tum Ya [ Part 1 & 2 ] TEEN DEVIYAN
4. Hum Bekhudi Mein Tumko KALA PANI
5. Chup Hai Dharti HOUSE NO.44
6. Tu Kahan Yeh Bata TERE GHAR KE SAMNE
7. Kahin Bekhayal Hokar TEEN DEVIYAN
8. Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke NAU DO GYARAH
9. Main Zindagi Ka Saath HUM DONO
10. Asli Kya Hai Naqli ASLI NAQLI
11. Ae Meri Topi Palat FUNTOOSH
12. Chahe Koi Khush Ho TAXI DRIVER
13. Oonche Sur Mein Gaaye HOUSE NO.44
14. Denewala Jab Bhi Deta FUNTOOSH
15. Saawan Ke Mahine Mein [part 2] SHARABI
16. Chheda Mere Dil Ne ASLI NAQLI
17. Jayein To Jayein Kahan [ Male -part 2 ] TAXI DRIVER
18. Kabhi Khud Pe Kabhi HUM DONO
19. Dukhi Mann Mere Sun FUNTOOSH
20. Kabhi Na Kabhi Kahin SHARABI
21. Saathi Na Koi Manzil BOMBAI KA BABU
22. Teri Duniya Mein Jeene HOUSE NO.44
23. Sun Le Tu Dil Ki {part 1 & 2} TERE GHAR KE SAMNE
24. Mujhe Le Chalo Aaj SHARABI
25. Chal Ri Sajni BOMBAI KA BABU

Disc 2
26. Aise To Na Dekho TEEN DEVIYAN
27. Ek Boot Banaoonga Tera ASLI NAQLI
28. Apni To Har Aah Ek KALA BAZAR
29. Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara JEWEL THIEF
30. Tere Mere Sapne ... GUIDE
31. Phoolon Ke Rang Se PREM PUJARI
32. Jaaneman Jaaneman [part 1 To 3] JAANEMAN
33. Are Roothe Hain To KALABAAZ
34. Tere Sau Deewane SHAREEF BADMAASH
35. Main Tasveer Utarta Hoon HEERA PANNA
36. Mujhko Agar Ijaazat Ho ISHK ISHK ISHK
37. Pyara Pyara Sama Hai [part 2] KALABAAZ
38. Hum Kya Hai ANAND AUR ANAND
39. Main Neekal Jaaoonga SHAREEF BADMAASH
40. Tu Pee Aur Jee DES PARDES
41. Din Dhal Jaaye GUIDE
42. Phoolon Ka Taron Ka [part 2] HARE RAMA HARE KRISHNA
43. Nazrana Bheja Kisine DES PARDES
44. Hey Suno Meri Baat YEH GULISTAN HAMARA
45. Chal Saathi Chal ISHK ISHK ISHK
46. Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya GUIDE
47. Dekho O Deewanon Tum HARE RAMA HARE KRISHNA
48. Hum Na Rahenge Tum SWAMI DADA
49. Zindagi Ke Sur Se MAIN SOLAH BARAS KI
50. Wahan Kaun Hai Tera [remove Titles ] GUIDE

Recommended for any collection:
Great Songs, unforgettable memories from Dev Saab.

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BOLLYWOOD SCREEN LEGEND: DEV ANAND:

NATIONAL HONOURS:

* In 1996, Dev Anand bagged the Star Screen Lifetime Achievement Award
* In 1997, he was given the "Mumbai Academy of Moving Images Award" for his Outstanding Services to the Indian Film Industry.
* In 1998, he was given a "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Ujala Anandlok Film Awards Committee in Calcutta.
* In 1999, he received the Sansui "Lifetime Achievement Award" for his 'Immense Contribution to Indian Cinema' in New Delhi.
* In 2000, he was awarded the Film Goers' "Mega Movie Maestro of the Millennium" Award in Mumbai.
* In January of 2001, The President of India honoured him with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award (India's third highest civilian award from the Government of India).
* In 2001, he received a "Special Screen Award" for his contribution to Indian cinema.
* In 2001, he was honoured wit the "Evergreen Star of the Millennium" Award at the Zee Gold Bollywood Awards
* In 2002, he was awarded with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award for cinematic excellence
* In 2003, he received the special "Lifetime Achievement Award" for ˜Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema' at IIFA Award in Johannesburg, South Africa.
* In November 2004, he was honoured with the "Legend of Indian Cinema" Award at Atlantic City (United States).
* In 2004, he was honoured with the Living Legend Award by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in recognition of his contribution to the Indian entertainment industry.
* In 2005, he was honoured with the "Sony Golden Glory Award"
* In January of 2006, he was conferred with "ANR Award" by the Akkineni International Foundation.
* He is a recipient of the "Glory of India Award" by IIAF, London.
* In october of 2007, he was conferred with the "Punjab Ratan" (Jewel of Punjab) Award by the World Punjabi Organisation (European Division) for his outstanding contribution in the field of art and entertainment.

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BOLLYWOOD SCREEN LEGEND: DEV ANAND:


Dev Anand accepts his love for Suraiya

The evergreen star of Hindi cinema Dev Anand, who has romanced numerous beautiful women on the screen, has rarely been heard of confessing about his real life love for his co-star Suraiya.

Dev Anand has now admitted to have loved her and has made a special mention of this in his forthcoming autobiography titled Romancing With Life.

"Yes. I loved Suraiya. I am not shying away from this fact. I want to tell everything what happened during those days in my autobiography. It was a very important chapter of my life as I was growing. I was young and in love for the first time," Dev Anand said. With his eyes lit up and face glowing while speaking about his first love, who died single, Dev Anand said, "She was a big star. I was new. But I was also strong and sophisticated. I was educated, confident and was aware that I was going somewhere in life."

Dev Anand has numerous fond memories of his first love. One incident in particular is etched in his memory. "During the shooting of a song sequence in a lake, we were sitting on a boat, and she slipped. I jumped into the water to save her from drowning," According to Dev Anand.

In retrospection, the actor thinks the couple were destined to get separated.

"It is all in the book. Whatever has been said about my relationship with Suraiya is false. Readers will get the true picture after reading it," the actor said. Speaking from his own experience he said that emotions were important in life as it made one more matured. But career was also important to grow in life.

"One has to be on top. It has to be there on your mind. But for that one needs to make lot of sacrifices. Someday you have to break away from your loved ones against your wishes. You will be heart broken. But you have to bear the sorrow to grow and belong to the world," According to Dev Anand.

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QUOTE:
Someday you have to break away from your loved ones against your wishes. You will be heart broken. But you have to bear the sorrow to grow and belong to the world," According to Dev Anand.end quote.

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Dev Anand's romance with life continues in NY

Dev Anand's romance with life continues, this time in New York.

The actor, who turned 84 last month, released his autobiography, Romancing With Life at the Bhartiya Vidhya Bhavan, New York on Saturday.

Others present at the function include filmmaker Mira Nair, Dr Navin Shah, Naresh Goyal (Jet Airways [Get Quote] chief) and Indian Consulate General to New York Neelam Deo.

Photograph: Paresh Gandhi
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Meera Gandhi, Dev Anand, Vikram Gandhi and India's Consul General in New York Neelam Deo celebrated Dev Anand's 85th birthday.

Dev Anand: The eternal Bollywood classic


Dev Anand is an ageless optimist. He is like an eternal Bollywood classic: entertaining, charming, fast-moving, thought-provoking, a blend of poetry and music... But the evergreen romantic, at times clownish, was largely a study in suavity and grace which showed through his distinctive mannerisms.
Meeting him is an unforgettable experience... it is also one for which you are wholly unprepared. The 85-year-old dynamo exudes unbridled energy -- he speaks as much with a nodding head as with his hands; his gestures and movements are bird-like: quick and short; his speech is a staccato burst of lucid diction and sharp thought; his eyes are clouded with memories, yet twinkle with anticipation; his cheeks are sunken, but his charm is astounding; the hands are wrinkled, yet they don't shake; the voice is low, but belongs to one who is in full control of his faculties; and the wit is quick and belies age.

He retains his loose-jointed and lopsided gait, his windmill-like limbs, the peculiar way he nods his head while speaking and his eternal boyish charm. He seems as much at home at this party in New York, hosted by Meera and Vikram Gandhi, for the launch of his autobiography, Romancing With Life, as he does in front of or behind the camera. It is with the same easy grace that he speaks to Managing Editor Shishir Bhate at the event.

Photographs: Paresh Gandhi
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'Writing a book is like an epic project'

How did the book come about?
The 62 years of my working, creative life are full of special and precious memories of people and events...

I was here in New York some years ago when Baghdad was attacked by the US. I saw television channels showing people being killed and I started thinking of India's independence struggle and those who were killed fighting for it... my mind went back to the past and to my own memories, and that's when I decided to write a book.

I wrote every word in my own hand. I didn't type it out, and I didn't have a ghost writer. Writing a book is an epic project, like making a film...

It took you fairly long time to finish it...

I began writing the book and then put it on hold for a while. Then my publishers urged that I finish it, so I put two of my film projects on hold and completed the book. It is a truthful and honest effort. It is my story... it is Dev Anand's story, a story that has never been told before.

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'The world is celebrating my book'

How has the book been received?
The book was released by my prime minister, Manmohan Singh, in Delhi on my birthday on September 26, which is his birthday as well. He celebrated me, I celebrated him, and the world is celebrating my book.

I am told the book is already a best-seller in India with the first print of 25,000 copies already sold. The publishers are planning a second edition.

How has your book tour been till now?

Very hectic, but very encouraging. After Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore, we -- my son Suneil and I -- went to Stockholm, Sweden to promote the book. From there we went to the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany. Then we had a stopover in England where we visited four different places, including London, to promote my book.

Now, I am here in New York for a couple of days. We will next go to Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco and then back to Mumbai. Everywhere I have been, the reception to the book has been overwhelming. In Jackson Heights, New York, 10,000 to 11,000 people turned up for the book launch. In New Jersey too, it was a very big event and the governor of New Jersey (Jon E Corzine) had very kind words to say.

My fans have made me and this book would have come about without them. I love all of them. I think my book gives me a chance to speak to all my fans like never before.

Photograph: Dev Anand with hotelier Sant Chatwal whose son Vikram appeared in Reema Kagti's film, Honeymoon Travels.

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'Sometimes, the truth is not very nice'


Is there something that you wish you had written in the book, but haven't?
Oh, yes! I could have written six volumes. Sixty-two years of a rich, varied life is a long time. What I wrote are things that were at the forefront of my memory then. If my publishers -- Penguin -- ask to, I can write a sequel.

How difficult was it to write the book, considering that it was to be an autobiography?

It was an easy and a difficult book to write. It was easy because I did not have to invent anything, like events or characters. It is just an honest, truthful story of my life. All I had to do was open the windows of my memory and the ideas just flowed in.

But it is also difficult because you have to be honest to not only yourself but to the events or people you are describing in the book. You have to bare yourself totally to the reader. You have to rip open yourself to the world... show your weaknesses and your strengths...

Sometimes, the truth is not very nice, but I have tried to be very fair and if my narrative offends somebody, then that is not intentional. My life has been an open book. I have written honestly.
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'My constant endeavour is to reach out for higher things'

You have achieved more than what most people dream of... Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, other awards... What keeps you going even now?
I am looking at the sky and am still not able to reach it, to touch it... that's what drives me. My constant endeavour is to reach out for higher things and as long as they are beyond my reach, my grasp, I will keep trying. And it is my work that captivates me. Once I am immersed in my work, I just keep on going...

Where do you draw your inspiration from for your film projects?

From today's youth and events. The youth today are energetic, knowledgeable, passionate. I have faith in them and their ability. I have no advice to offer them. On the contrary, I learn from them. There is so much to observe and learn. You go to parties or meetings and meet interesting people and you learn more and more... and that is where I draw my inspiration from.

Photograph: Bollywood awards organiser Kamal Dhandona and his daughter Sonia with Dev Anand.

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'I'm going to Croatia to find a beautiful girl...'

What are you planning now that the book is finally in print? Will you pick up your film projects that you left off?
I am busier than ever. Chargesheet is my next film. I was about to complete it when I got called by my publishers for the book tour. But I can make it any time. It will be shot completely in Mahabaleshwar, in one schedule.

Then there is When Heartbeats Are The Same, which is a film in English. It is a love story and also the story of a father-son relationship. I play the father.

I am going to Croatia soon to find the most beautiful girl in the country to play the heroine in my film. I am excited about being the first Indian filmmaker to be invited by another country to make a film.

I was working on Chargesheet when the Croatian ambassador in India called me and invited me to Croatia to make a film there. I flew down there and as overwhelmed: the welcome, the people, the country... So, it would be a love story between a young NRI and a Croatian girl.

Then there is also Hum Dono in colour...

Yes, but it is not being done by me. It is being done by Goldstone Media and they have already started the colourisation process. It is being done beautifully. When I saw samples, I thought the film had been shot in colour. It should be ready by January or February 2008.

Are you planning to re-release the English version of Guide?

English Guide? It depends on whether people want to see it. It was scripted by Pearl Buck, but it did not do well when it was released in the US. Also, the rights to the English Guide are only partly with us -- Navketan Films.
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quote:

'I'm going to Croatia to find a beautiful girl...'

Aha! thats where the glut are,

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'Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya'

What is romance to you?
Romance is taking life as it comes. A great book, a good song, a beautiful girl, making a movie, that's romance...

Do you have any regrets in life?

I wish I could play a musical instrument -- a piano or a guitar... Otherwise, I have no regrets. Life is too short for that.

To what extent is the Hum Dono song Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya... a part of your own philosophy?

Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya; har fikr ko dhooien mein udata chala gaya... That is my life's philosophy, that is what the book is about.

Photograph: Meera Gandhi with Dev Anand.

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Next:
When Dev Saab lost Zeenat Aman to Raj Kapoor

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Wow, he's 85 already!

I enjoyed all his movies. His last attempt at making movie bombed. Love in Time Square was a huge disappointment.

When Dev Saab lost Zeenat Aman to Raj Kapoor

Dev Anand's autobiography Romancing With Life released last week on his birthday, and gave us a chance to finally know him.

The book, which captures the star right from his struggling days to the present, gives us great details about his acting years, his family, and the women in his life.

One of them was Zeenat Aman, whom Devsaab launched in Hare Rama Hare Krishna. The actor, who admits to falling in love with the young actress at the time, talks about their relationship in this excerpt taken from his autobiography.

And keep reading on about Devsaab's interesting interaction with former Pakistani cricket captain Imran Khan, and Aamir in his film, Awwal Number.

Zeenat and I started being linked with each other in the magazines and newspapers that people hungry for gossip love to read. For, while she was the adorable painting that they loved to watch, admire and emulate, I was the painter who had etched that painting. The colours were mine as was the finished drawing on the canvas. While she as a person was God's creation, her image was of my making, and together we became inseparable in the public eye.

Whenever and wherever she was talked about glowingly, I loved it. And whenever and wherever I was discussed in the same vein, she was jubilant. In the subconscious, we had become emotionally attached to each other.

At the silver jubilee celebration of Hare Rama Hare Krishna at a theatre in Calcutta, as Usha Uthup, the famous pop singer, sang the Dum maro dum number on stage and reached the crescendo of her rendering, she pulled Zeenat, who was sitting in the audience, on stage; Zeenat in turn pulled me on stage too, so that together we could sing along with Usha. The audience in a moment of spontaneity also jumped up on stage and the song became a chorus of over a hundred voices. The maddened crowds picked Zeenat up on their shoulders, raising her heavenwards. I felt proud of her, and yet, at the same time, I felt a stab of jealously; of possessiveness as well. How could they own her in that way? She was my prized possession! I knew it was a stupid thought on my part, but I couldn't help it.

A couple of years later, after the premiere of Ishq Ishq Ishq at Metro cinema, Raj Kapoor kissed Zeenat in full view of the invited audience, congratulating her for her sparkling performance in the film. That must have made her evening all the more sparkling. Again I felt proud of her, as much as I admired Raj Kapoor for his honest and spontaneous reaction. Complimenting her was indirectly complimenting her mentor, and I inwardly saluted my contemporary filmmaker for his sound judgement.

Yet, I was jealous of him for making advances on what I considered my sole possession, my discovery, my leading lady, and desiring her with a kiss.

Excerpted from Romancing With Life, with kind permission of Penguin Books.

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When Dev Anand lost Zeenat to Raj Kapoor

Time moved on. Suddenly, one day, I felt I was desperately in love with Zeenat -- and wanted to say so to her! To make a honest confession, at a very special, exclusive place meant for romance. I chose the Rendezvous at the Taj, on the top of the city, where we had dined together once earlier.

No setting could be more appropriate, I thought, than a quite candlelit table in the corner, the candle throwing its gleam on Zeenat's face, just as the glow of her cigarette-lighter had lit up her face when I first met her. The dimmed lights of the city below, shinning out of the darkness, would certainly light up the romance of the moment.

I called her up to say, 'Zeenie, I want to go out on a date with you tonight.'

'But aren't we already going together to a party tonight?' she asked me.

'Of course we are. But let's just go there only for a brief while, say Hi to the gathering, and then quickly disappear!' It was an order, but very lovingly conveyed.

She was quiet.
'H-e-ll-o!' I said.
'Yes, I am listening.'
'Is that a date?' I asked.
'If you so desire. See you then!' And she hung up.

I picked her up. Together we went to the party. It was on in full force. The first person who greeted Zeenat from a distance was a drunken Raj Kapoor, with a gallant drawl, 'There she is! He threw his arms around her exuberantly.

This suddenly stuck me as a little too familiar. And the way she reciprocated his embrace seemed much more than just polite and courteous. She quickly bent down to touch his feet, and then gave me an embarrassed look. Raj grasped my hand in a very tight grip, like never before, as if trying to make amends for some wrong he had done, suddenly overflowing with affection.

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When Dev Anand lost Zeenat to Raj Kapoor

A hint of suspicion crossed my mind. A couple of days earlier, a rumour had been floating around the Zeenat had gone to Raj's studio for a screen test for the main role in his new movie Satyam Shivam Sundaram. The hearsay now started ringing true. My heart was bleeding.

'You are breaking your promise,' Raj was now telling Zeenat in his drunken joviality, 'that you will always be seen by me only in a white sari!'

More embarrassment was writ large on her face, and Zeenat was not the same Zeenat for me any more.

My heart broke into pieces. I wanted to leave the party at once and go off somewhere alone, to be just by myself, so that I could swallow the humiliation thrust on my ego.

But a struggle within me transformed itself into a 'to-hell-with-it-all' attitude, and prompted me to say goodbye to a relationship which, though it had been on-committal emotionally on both sides, had been honest all the same. There was no space in it for professional dishonesty.

The painting I had made of her started showing signs of cracking.' How long do you intend staying here, Zeenat?' I asked her.

She looked at Raj, as if seeking his permission to leave.

'Let her stay here, Dev -- and you too -- enjoy!' he said in a drunken drawl.

'By all means,' I said. 'Enjoy, Zeenat. Call me up later, when you feel like it!'

'But aren't we suppose to be going to the other place together?' she casually asked.

'Doesn't matter!' I said.

The rendezvous had already lost all meaning in my mind.

I sneaked out of the place, quietly apologizing to the host.

The evening delivered a blow to my personality, and my dominating spirit. I had decided on the spur of the moment to tell Zeenat for the first time how much I loved her. And that there was an idea in my mind of another story that would put her on a pedestal as never before, the highest so far. But that was never to be.

And so be it! I quickly detached myself, convincing myself that I had blundered, taking too many things for granted. There was no need for me to let any rancour germinate in my mind against Zeenat. I had prepared her for the world, and she was free to go into the arms of anyone who would help her further her ambitious dreams.

A group of chanting devotees was passing by my car. I sat listening to the sound of cymbals and bells.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Ram Hare Ram
Ram Ram Hare Hare

I closed my eyes. Zeenat still remained beautiful in my eyes, with an honest soul. And Raj a passionate filmmaker.

I opened my eyes. A streak of lightning seemed to flash across my mind and inspired a new thought. I started pursuing it. A new chapter was thrown open before me, its first pages slowly unfolding.

The idea of a new film was coming slowly into focus.

In the picture: Dev Anand and wife Kalpana Karthik (extreme right) with close friends Sunil Dutt and Nargis. Many years later, Devsaab launched Richa Sharma in Hum Hai Naujawan, who went on to wed their son Sanjay Dutt.
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When Dev Anand lost Zeenat to Raj Kapoor

Aamir Khan's first film had just been released, and since he was a talented fresh newcomer joining the ranks of the young rising stars, I cast him as an up-and-coming young cricketer.

For the role of the star on the decline, my choice fell on Imran Khan, the former Pakistani captain, who had just announced his retirement from the game. Very photogenic and handsome, Imran was one of the greatest names in cricket. I thought it was a casting coup. I had met Imran briefly in Bombay when he had come to play one of his first Tests as a member of the Pakistan team.

The best way for me to get in touch with Imran in London was to contact him personally. I took nobody in confidence, and purely on a personal initiative, found out his telephone number from a cricketer friend of mine, and dialed it. There was an answering machine at the other end. I felt my name and number and waited for a reply. No reply was forthcoming for a few days.

But I didn't let the matter rest there, and called his number gain, this time from Bangalore, which I was visiting for some personal work. Luckily, Iran answered this time. I told him who I was, to which he politely said he had received my earlier message, and was apologetic for not responding, as he was involved with some country cricket that had taken him outside London.

'What can I do for you, Mr Dev Anand?' Imran was very courteous.
'Everything-about what I am thinking of at the moment,' I replied.
'And what I that?'
'I believe you have retired from cricket, and I have read that you have started to model!'
'Yes.'
'So why not extend your field of activity to another direction?' I posed the question.
'And that is?' he asked.
'Will you act in my film and do the role of a fading cricket star? It will catapult you to stardom of a different kind,' I proposed.

He was speechless for while. Not a word came from him, with me anxious and eager for his reaction.

'Are you there?' I broke the silence.
'Very much!
'So?'
'You have bowled me over, Mr Dev Anand. But I don't think I am a good actor!'

I was happy that I had succeeded in putting the thought in his mind, and said, 'Maybe I can help you make up your mind if I see you personally.'

'But Mr Dev Anand...'
'I need no answer right now, Imran!' I interrupted. 'Don't take any decision either for or against my proposal until the time I see you.'
'When?'
'I shall be on the first flight available,' and I hung up, very much in keeping with the impulsive trait in me, and the desire to take quick decisions.

I booked myself on the next available flight to London, checked in at the Portman Hotel in the West End, and the first move I made was to call Imran from my room. Imran was bowled over once again.

'I said I was going to meet you in London. Would you dine with me tonight?' I fired off the first salvo.

'Why don't you come over to my apartment, at Soho?' was his reply.
'When?'
'Whenever you want!'
'Let it be now. That's why I am here.'

He gave me his address. I took a cab and found his brother in his Pathani salwar-kameez waiting to receive me at the entrance to his apartment. Imran was hospitable and obliging, a gracious host, warm and friendly, the sign of a great sportsman.

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IMRAN KHAN

I narrated the story of Awwal Number to him with a special emphasis on the role I wanted him to ply. But he seemed a little nervous at the idea of facing the camera for a professional acting assignment.

'It'd be fun holding the premier of the film in Pakistan, with you as its star,' I tried to enthuse him. He listened with interest s I spoke. 'You are already very big all over world. The film will further enhance your status, in India as well. I assure you, you'd be in the same league in the movie as Amitabh Bachchan in our country,' I aid with total conviction.

'But General Zia-ul-Haq wants me to join his cabinet as a cultural minister,' he countered.

'That's great! You can do both. Be a cultural minister, as well as a star,' I tried to convince him.

He was still in two minds, and kept harping on his political ambition.

'Let me leave the script with you. Go through it. If it succeeds in making up your mind, let me know,' I said.

He agreed.

I concluded by saying, 'I shall feel honoured having cast Imran Khan in a movie that my country would love to see.'

'But Mr Dev Anand...'

I cut him short, saying, 'And if you still persist in not wanting to be a film star, I shall delightfully accept your 'No', yet be happy at the thought that at least I succeeded in approaching the man I desired so much for the key role in my film.'

I thanked him for the time and hospitality he had given me, and left.

Next evening I received a packet at the Portman Hotel, with my script wrapped inside, and a note that said 'No' to my proposition.

The role I had approached Imran for went to Aditya Pancholi, who did a very good job of it.

Awwal Number was to find some resonance years later in the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan, which Aamir produced. Aamir was new and fresh when he did Awwal Number, and he was cast opposite another newcomer called Aarti, whom I had renamed Ekta.

Ekta got married to the handsome actor Mohnish Behl, who was the famous actress Nutan's son. He also did a film with me, directed by my brother Goldie. When I met him on the sets for the first time, as a co-star in the same film, I looked at his eyes and Nigahen mastana, the very melodious song I had sung with his mother in Paying Gust on a moonlit night on the sets of a lonely terrace of a house, came to my mind. The audience had swooned over both of us, as I had on Nutan!

In the picture: Dev Anand attends the wedding of Dilip Kumar's sister.
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Romancing with Life : An Autobiography
Author: Dev Anand
Year: 2007

ISBN : 0670081248

[ 24 cm., pp. 448, with 32-page col. insert ]
[US$ 17.82]

Main Features »
Dev Anand is something of a Bollywood institution. His romantic persona, dialogue delivery, song picturizations and mannerisms are legend, and for generations of filmgoers he has remained Hindi cinema's most charismatic personality. In Romancing with Life, the first-ever full-fledged memoir by a leading Bollywood star, he tells his remarkable life story"”no less dramatic and gripping than any of his films"”like only he can. Here are tales from Dev's youth in 1930s Gurdaspur and Lahore; his years of struggle in 1940s Bombay; his friendship with Guru Dutt and his doomed romance with Suraiya; his marriage to co-star Kalpana Kartik; his relationships with his brothers Chetan"”who brought him to Bombay"”and Vijay Anand"”who directed him in hit after hit, with S.D. and R.D. Burman, who provided the memorable music for his films, with his compatriots Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, to both of whom he was very close, and with his heroines, from Geeta Bali, Madhubala, Meena Kumari, Nutan, Vyjayanthimala, Mumtaz and Hema Malini to Waheeda Rehman, Zeenat Aman and Tina Munim, all of whom he launched. Dev Anand has produced an unputdownable book chock-full of bittersweet reminiscences, written in a pacy, effervescent style that carries the reader through sixty of Bollywood's most interesting years. With rare pictures from his personal archive, Romancing with Life is the quintessential Dev Anand.

THE BOOK ROMANCING WITH LIFE: BY DEV ANAND IS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL BOLLYWOOD MOVIE FANS:

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STAR BAI'S DEV AND DHARAM:

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DEV SAAB RECEIVING ONE OF HIS MANY NATIONAL AWARDS FROM ABDUL KALAAM
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DEV SAAB WITH HIS BROTHER VIJAY ANAND:

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DEV AND MUMTAZ AS THEY APPEAR IN TERE MERE SAPNE:
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Dev Anand conferred 'Punjab Ratan' award



Posted at Friday, 19 October 2007 12:10 IST
London, Oct 19:

Legendary Bollywood actor-producer Dev Anand was conferred the title 'Punjab Ratan' (Jewel of Punjab) by the World Punjabi Organisation (European Division) for his outstanding contribution in the field of art and entertainment.

Describing him as "one of the greatest stars" of Bollywood, Lord Navnit Dholakia, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords presented the award to the octogenarian actor at a glittering ceremony at the Landmark Hotel here last night.

Holding the trophy close to his chest, Dev Anand who was born in Gurdaspur in Punjab, said: "It will be there closest to my heart." NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, MP and former minister Keith Vaz, NRI MP Sailesh Vara and Kartar Lalvani, Chief of Vitabiotics were among the other distinguished guests present on the occasion.

Dev Anand who was here to launch his autobiography 'Romancing With Life", said: "the whole country is proud of you Punjabis. Keep it up." Dev Anand has won the Best Actor Filmfare award for Kala Pani in 1958 and Guide in 1966 and won the Filmfare Lifetime achievement award in 1991.

In 2000, he was awarded the Film Goers' "Mega Movie Maestro of the Millennium Award in Mumbai. The President of India honoured him with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award, India's third highest civilian award, in 2001.

He won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award for cinematic excellence in 2002. The next year, he received the special "Lifetime Achievement Award" for "Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema" at IIFA Award in Johannesburg.

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BOLLYWOOD SCREEN LEGEND: DEV ANAND:

Guide..... A "crossover" Classic Beyond Compare
By: Sheenu Jahan

Friday, February 18, 2005

When so much is talked about "crossover" films and path breaking cinema these days, I often reminisce about decades ago when one movie had the quality which would forever put them into the "path breaking" circuit. Guide by Vijay Anand was certainly one of those.

Released in 1965 it was based on a popular novel of the same name by R K Naraynan. It starred Dev Anand (as Raju Guide) in what can easily be called his career's best, Waheeda Rehman, Kishore Sahu (in a brilliant cameo), and Leela Chitnis in the lead roles. Music by S.D. Burman is one of the best-remembered scores.

Guide was a showcase of so many master talents. The brilliant strokes of direction are very evident, a great story told by a master storyteller. Dev Anand's performance is peerless and Waheeda Rehman appears to be a true goddess of Indian Screen.

The story revolves around Rosie/Nalini (Waheeda Rehman) a dancer trapped in a loveless marriage with a much older archeologist, Marco (Kishore Sahu) who has no interest or time for his much younger and vibrant wife and the Guide he chooses to escort him in a hill station (Dev Anand). A hapless Rosie is plagued with loneliness and contemplates suicide, just when she catches the compassion and love from the Guide. He teaches her all the beautiful meanings of a free spirited life. 'Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamana Hai' she sings in wild abandon atop a hay stacked truck throwing this clay pitcher which falls and breaks, capturing a moment in Hindi filmdom which I would say best captures the freedom of spirit.

Raju/Rosie fall in love and start living together (a live-in relationship in 1960's), but you hardly notice that because it seems like the most natural thing to have happened in the story. Marco does not care less and just lets her go. Raju realises Rosie's love for dance and her immense talent at it, and tries to harness it for her sake. His business acumen combined with Rosie's (now Nalini) talent make her a star and the couple very rich and in the limelight. The catch however is that Nalini on paper is still Marco's lawfully wedded wife and Raju and she are still living in sin. Long schedules, performances and celebrity lifestlye manage to tear Raju and Nalini apart. Misunderstanding creeps in and when Marco resurfaces, Raju with a pang of jealousy forges Nalini's signature and makes sure they never come face to face. However, fate catches up, the misunderstandings become a divide, and finally Raju goes to jail for this mistake.

Nalini however realises all this a tad too later, when she goes to receive him on his scheduled day of release from prison, she find's he's already let off 6 months back. Nalini and Raju's mother who at some point had octracised Raju now look for him desperately, but by now Raju has become a Guru (by default) in a far off village, and is on a fast (again by default) to bring rain in the arid region.

By the time the two women reach him he has already set himself on the immortal path that has no return. People of the village have immense faith in him and refuse to think beyond him, for them he is God, a Mahatma and he will bring them rain. True to his spirit of making others wishes come true he just prays to his God and the fast is real. In a superb climax, rain does come and so does his end.

This film had a range of emotions, a mother-son, husband -wife, lovers, guru-follower relationships very well tapped. Camera work was exceptional 'Tere Mere Sapne' the song is like a class on great shot taking (the whole song had 4 shots, and relied on conveying the message thru expression), Dev- Waheeda chemistry was extraordinary, the songs were brilliantly choreographed especially the 'Piya Tose Naina lage Re' which is one of the most colourful and vibrant dance sequence ever done. Each song is memorable, each scene a joy to watch and each character so unique and true. Each character is a true shade of grey, there is no good-man, bad man just a real man in the film. That's what makes the film endearing!

One can watch this film over and over again, and fall in love with it all over again. Even when I watch it now, I cannot say it belongs to a certain decade but it has this timeless quality. Everything about the movie is ace. If I were to suggest a text book in film making it would have to be Navketan's Guide.
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BOLLYWOOD SCREEN LEGEND: DEV ANAND:

DEV ANAND AND WAHEEDA: GATA RAHE: GUIDE

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BOLLYWOOD SCREEN LEGEND: DEV ANAND:

DEV ANAND AND WAHEEDA: TERE MERE SAPNE: GUIDE

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