Dev Anand’s inspiration to films was actor Ashok Kumar and his performance in ‘Achhut Kanya’ and ‘Kismat’. And it was in 1948, where Dev Anand fondly addressed as Dev Saab got his big break with ‘Ziddi’ being recommended by Ashok Kumar himself.
Since then, it was 114 films and a career sprawling over 65 years that made Dev Anand a rage among audiences of his era and many more to come. One can never forget the actor’s trademark style of nodding his head or his super fast mouthing of dialogues quite like a game of rapid faire.
Dev Anand’s notable works over the years include stark portrayal of realistic and different characters. From films like ‘CID’, ‘Paying Guest’, ‘Hum Dono’ to his credit and the cult classic in ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, Dev Saab enthralled audiences with his charm and grace.
And with ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, one saw a revolution in Indian cinema, with Dev Anand shifting from the quintessential romantic stories to the age of hip-hop, drugs and rock-n-roll. We need to admit, we still groove to ‘Dum Maaro Dum’, quite like Zeenat Aman, herself who made a dashing debut with this film.
But Dev Anand’s best-remembered role till date remains his character of ‘Raju Guide’ in ‘Guide’ and adaptation of R.K Narayan’s novel ‘The Guide’. A prestigious Filmfare Award, Best Actor award for his notable performance.
While the actor-director didn’t taste much success in films over the 90’s as a director, Dev Anand continued making movies with undying passion. Including his last ‘Charge Sheet’ a social satire on society, which released months before the actor’s demise.
Often compared to Hollywood legend Gregory Peck, Dev Anand took all the praises with open heart. The iconic mufflers and the caps might have been replaced, and the star may be resting in heaven but his wonderful works and memories live by.
Here’s a toast to the iconic Dev Anand our very own Dev Saab! There isn’t a better line to describe his charm and his undying spirit –
“Main zindagi ka saath nibhaata chala gaya!”
