The day when Dev Anand, Bollywood’s original evergreen hero, was born

Dev Anand, the name is till date attached to numerous nostalgic feelings of youthfulness, romance, style, and extremely good looks. The versatile actor and filmmaker was one of those few ones in Indian Cinema who carried an irresistible charm on silver screen. His romantic image still finds a place in the hearts and minds of his millions of fans and admirers out there in the world. And today, we are remembering Bollywood’s original evergreen hero, on his birthday today.

Not many would be aware that Dev Anand aspired to become a performer after seeing late veteran star Ashok Kumar’s performance in films like ‘Achhut Kanya’ and ‘Kismet’. He went on to make his acting debut in ‘Hum Ek Hain’ (1946). He continued working and delivering successful films in the period of late 40s and 50s, but it was in the period of 60s when the actor acquired a romantic image with his films like ‘Manzil’, ‘Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai’, ‘Teen Devian’ and ‘Tere Ghar Ke Samne’. But, one of his most revered works as a performer was seen in the year 1965 when his first colour film ‘Guide’ was released. Co-starring Waheeda Rehman and directed by his younger brother and filmmaker Vijay Anand, the film was based on the novel of the same name by RK Narayan. (Also Check: Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman: A one-sided love story that never materialised)

His association with his younger brother went on as together they delivered some more classics like ‘Jewel Thief’ and ‘Johny Mera Naam’. The beginning of the era of 70s saw him venturing into film direction with ‘Prem Pujari’ (1970) which was a flop at the time of its release, but developed a cult following over the years. His second film as a director ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ which talked about the heartbreaking story of a brother and sister, was shot against the backdrop of hippie culture in Nepal, and is considered a classic. It was the same film which reintroduced actress Zeenat Aman in Bollywood.

Dev Anand had a unique personality. There was a time when his contemporaries like Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar stopped playing the leading men in movies, but the actor and filmmaker continued to woo his young heroines with his trademark puffed-up hair, his sloping walk and charming smile.

Given his zeal, although he continued making films in 80s and 90s, most of them failed to make a mark at the box office and today sadly remain forgettable. As an actor and filmmaker he kept on working till his last breath. He was last seen on big screen in film ‘Chargesheet’ (2011) at the age of 88. He passed away the same year on December 3.

Undoubtedly, he was a hero who made women go weak in the knees with his charm. With his demise, truly it was the end of an era.

But, indeed this day in the history of Indian Cinema will be remembered for the birth of a talented and beloved artiste who will live on in our hearts, forever.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.