I grew up in the 90’s when the Khans were ruling the roost. In those days, apart from video cassettes, the only source of vintage Hindi movies was Doordharshan. And that was how I became acquainted with the legendary troika of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor and Dev Anand.

Guide- his most acclaimed film.

Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand or better known as Dev Anand, was not an actor, he was a star. Even in his initial days he stood out and one could realize he was a star in the making. His debonair persona was carefully cultivated. Dev Anand was recognized for his style, not for any acting credentials he might possess. His style of dialogue delivery, the way he walked, the way he stretched his arms with a limp elbow, the cocky smile and his nodding of head enthralled his fans. But after the 80’s that style didn’t have many takers. But Dev Anand obstinately refused to reinvent himself and soldiered on doing movies where he was the main lead. He refused point blank to play any role where he wasn’t the “hero”. When no one would make movies featuring him as the lead, he went on to make movies himself. His past success gave him the luxury to indulge in such narcissistic pleasures. As a result he made many low budget flicks that sank in the box office without a trace. All these may have been an attempt to find that one elusive hit that he hoped would give back him the adulation he had in his past.

The first and only time I saw him for real was during the Soorya Festival of 2002. He had come down for yet another felicitation. It was a shock to see him. He had degenerated to a tragic caricature of his old self. Unlike his peers, Dev Anand did not let himself age gracefully. He sought to capture his youth in the trappings of his youth. It was rumored he was Bollywood’s Baap of cosmetic surgery. But despite all this, one could feel his passion for cinema. His passion gave him the energy to do the thing he loved the most- Cinema and that in turn fuelled his passion. Indeed, he was a man who was motivated by himself and himself alone. He was evergreen in the sense that he had never let his age diminish his drive. He always planned for the future and always engaged himself by doing something creative. Unlike many movie stars past their prime, Dev Anand did not drone on about his past laurels. If you watch his interviews, you will see that he is excited the most when he is talking about his next film. He was a man who lived for the future.

Anyway rest-in-peace seems so inappropriate a epitaph. In fact he might be giving stiff competition to Indra and is  busy making a movie featuring Urvasi, Rambha and Tilottama. So, happy hunting Dev Saab!