Dev Anand: A Centennial Tribute to Bollywood’s Evergreen Star

Dev Anand: A Centennial Tribute to Bollywood’s Evergreen Star

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

The 100th birth anniversary of illustrious Indian film star Dev Anand was commemorated on September 26, 2023. Consequently, fans and cinema lovers embarked on a nostalgic journey, reminiscing the charisma and unique charm of an actor who had etched a special place in their hearts. The commemoration featured an array of rare pictures and interesting anecdotes from Anand’s life and career, providing insights into his enduring appeal.

Love and Life Off-Screen

One of the pictures shared showed Anand with his son Suneil Anand and wife Kalpana Kartik. Anand first met Kartik on the sets of “Baazi” in 1951. However, it wasn’t until their collaboration on “Aandhiyaan” (1952) and “Taxi Driver” (1954) that he expressed his feelings for her. Their wedding was a private affair, attended only by a few close friends, including renowned personalities like Guru Dutt and S D Burman.

Collaboration with Yash Chopra

Another picture depicted Anand with esteemed filmmaker Yash Chopra. The duo collaborated on the film “Joshila” in 1973. Although inspired by James Hadley Chase’s 1959 novel “Shock Treatment”, the film didn’t perform well at the box office. However, a song from its soundtrack, composed by the celebrated R.D. Burman, gained immense popularity, becoming a cult classic over time.

The Memorable “Guide”

Anand’s performance in “Guide” (1965) remains one of the most memorable of his career. Intriguingly, the film was produced in both Hindi and English, each with a different director. The Hindi version, directed by Vijay Anand, became a blockbuster and is considered a classic in Indian cinema. The English version, however, was only screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007, 42 years after its creation.

Anand and RD Burman

A picture shared showed Anand with the acclaimed music director RD Burman. In Khagesh Dev Burman’s book “The Prince of Music,” RD Burman revealed that Anand had been a steadfast supporter during his difficult times in the film industry. This strong bond is evident in the memorable music of their collaborations.

A Legacy Remembered

Dev Anand passed away at the age of 88 on December 3, 2011, due to a cardiac arrest. His 100th birth anniversary was commemorated with a two-day film festival organized by the Film Heritage Foundation (FHF) on September 23 and 24. The festival was a tribute to Anand’s contribution to Indian cinema, allowing fans to revisit some of his finest works and celebrate his enduring legacy.