The ‘Guide’ of Hindi cinema legendary actor, director and producer Dev Anand died on Saturday night at London where he went for medical treatment. The top ranking romantic hero shaking heads using his inimitable style breathed last and his son Sunil was next to him.
Born in 1923 Deva Anand has given countless hits and remained the evergreen hero of Hindi cinema. Dev Anand made his debut as an actor in 1946 in 'Hum Ek Hain'. By the time his 'Ziddi' was released in 1947 he was a superstar and has never looked back. Hit films are 'Paying Guest', 'Baazi', 'Jewel Thief ', 'CID', 'Johny Mera Naam', 'Amir Garib', 'Warrant', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and 'Des Pardes'.
For his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, Dev Anand was honoured with the prestigious the 'Padma Bhushan' in 2001 and 'Dada Saheb Phalke Award' in 2002. He established his film production company 'Navketan International Films' in 1949 and has produced more than 35 movies. He co-produced the English Version of 'Guide' with the Nobel Laureate Pearl S Buck ('The Good Earth').
In 1993, he received a Filmfare 'Lifetime Achievement Award' and in 1996 he received a Screen Videocon 'Lifetime Achievement Award'. Of late he was involved in the direction of a new all American film Project 'Song Of Life' - a musical love story which was to be shot in the United States.
Dev Anand is the second of three brothers who were active in Hindi Cinema. His brothers are Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand. Their sister, Sheel Kanta Kapur, is the mother of renowned film director Shekhar Kapur.
Dev Anand first time came to an awards evening in Bengaluru in1996 and honored Umasri with Devika Rani Memorial Award. He addressed the crowded gathering on that day (30th of March) with full bloom and recalled his association with Garden City. He garlanded Umasri with a trophy too.
In 2008 January 19, Ramya Samskrithika Academy in Bengaluru organized felicitation for evergreen hero Dev Anand with 'Lifetime Achievement' award. This program was organized by Ramya Cultural Academy in association with Win Music Club. The evening was followed by musical program in which Dev Anand film hits were rendered.