Dev Anand passed away from our midst. A part of our collective memory of yesteryears is now no more
I still recall way back in that eventful excursion to Kashmir --how we starry-eyed SVCIANS saw Hema Malini and Dev Saab at a film shoot of Shareef Badmash. It was a different matter that, then, we were more keen on watching HemaMalini pout and preen than watch Dev Saab with his characteristic trademark swagger and stylish accent.Then on, we knew him intimately through all those unforgettable roles in Hum Dono, Guide, Solva Saal, Jewel Thief, Gambler and so on.
My personal favourite is Guide, which shows how a loveable rakish rogue and tourist guide becomes a spiritual Guide unwillingly by default --and how a miracle takes place, by which time he has passed away --leaving an indelible impression for all of us who were really lucky to see this film.
Last year, Mary, my sister, and I, met him at a book launch at the Park in Bangalore --and in public, I thanked him on behalf of all film fans and romantics for enhancing the romance in our pre-teens and the teenage lives during the 60's and the 70's with hummable songs like "Abhi Na Jao Chhod kar" , Tere Mere Sapne ab ek rang hai. Gaata rahe mera dil, Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya, Khoya Khoya Chaand ....
Rest in peace, Dev Saab -- you cheered us all for a lifetime .....
6 comments:
Nice post Stanley, my personal fav is also Guide, and the songs you have mentioned, what gems they are!!!
Apart from his romantic looks and mannerisms one thing that marks out most of Dev Anand's films is the great music which by itself could have carried them to the box office.We saw many of his movies at Vijaya Cinema Hall alongwith friends.
Most conspicuous was the 'puffed up' hair style [shown in one of the pix ]which most of us adorned during SVC days.
Perhaps one of the few or only actor to bring westernization into Indian films in a very subtle way. Used to be compared to Gregory Peck.
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Yes, we will surely miss Dev sa'ab.
I guess his uncanny resemblence to 'Girigiri' Peck was coindicental.
May his soul ( whether in London or in Mumbai) may rest in peace. All of us will miss the evergreen hero.
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