Mumbai, Dec 3 (IANS) – Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha remembered the iconic Dev Anand on his 14th death anniversary, fondly recalling their collaborations and the invaluable advice he received from the "evergreen hero".
Taking to his official X handle, Sinha shared throwback stills from the films "Prem Pujari" and "Gambler," both of which featured the two actors. Sinha praised Dev Anand as one of the most stylish and eternally youthful heroes the Indian film industry has ever seen. He wrote, "Remembering Dev Saheb with love, fondness & an attitude of gratitude. #DevAnand is one of the most stylish & evergreen heroes till date".
Sinha also expressed that he continues to cherish the wisdom Dev Anand imparted to him, stating that the motivation and advice he received remain close to his heart. "Your motivation & advice is very close to my heart even today. Long Live Dev Saheb! #DeathAnniversary," he added.
Dev Anand, born Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand, was a multifaceted personality in Hindi cinema, excelling as an actor, writer, director, and producer. His career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than 100 films and delivered numerous acclaimed performances. He is celebrated as one of the greatest and most successful actors in Indian cinema history.
Anand began his journey in the world of cinema after graduating with a degree in English Literature from Government College, Lahore. He moved to Bombay in the early 1940s and briefly worked in the military censor's office before pursuing his passion for acting. He debuted in 1946 with "Hum Ek Hain," a film promoting Hindu-Muslim unity. His breakthrough came with "Ziddi" in 1948, followed by the superhit "Baazi" in 1951, which established him as a leading star.
Dev Anand was known for his signature style, which included fast-paced dialogue delivery and a unique nodding mannerism that became his trademark. He starred in numerous commercially successful films, including "Jaal," "Taxi Driver," "CID," "Guide," "Jewel Thief," and "Hare Rama Hare Krishna". In 1949, Anand launched his own production house, Navketan Films, which produced 35 films.
Beyond acting, Dev Anand also made a mark as a director, with "Prem Pujari" being his directorial debut. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002 for his immense contribution to Indian Cinema.
Shatrughan Sinha's tribute highlights the enduring legacy of Dev Anand, who passed away on December 3, 2011, in London at the age of 88. Sinha, himself a prominent figure in Indian cinema and politics, began his acting career with a role in Dev Anand's "Prem Pujari" in 1970. Sinha gained recognition for his roles in films like "Mere Apne" and "Kalicharan" and later transitioned into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and a Union Cabinet Minister.
Jackie Shroff also paid tribute to Dev Anand, sharing scenes from his debut film "Swami Dada" (1982), which was directed by Dev Anand. Shroff acknowledged Dev Anand's guidance and support during his early career. Shekhar Kapur, another filmmaker, shared a lesson that he learned from Dev Anand.
The tributes from Shatrughan Sinha and Jackie Shroff serve as a reminder of Dev Anand's significant impact on Indian cinema and his lasting influence on generations of actors and filmmakers. His evergreen persona and contributions continue to be celebrated and cherished by the film industry and audiences alike.
