Mumbai: Evergreen romantic star Dev Anand, who epitomised the debonair, urban gentleman on screen and gave classic hits like Guide in his career as actor and filmmaker spanning over six decades, died after a cardiac arrest in London. He was 88.
From the film fraternity to fans and political leaders, everyone mourned the death of the ageless actor with an indefatigable spirit.
Mohan Churiwala, Dev Anand’s manager, informed that the actor passed away in a London hotel where he was staying with his son, Sunil, a one-time actor. According to Churiwala, Sunil found that Dev Anand was not responding and called the doctor. “The doctor said that he had a heart attack. He died at 10 pm (3:30 am IST) on Saturday night in London,” he said.
The Padma Bhushan awardee is survived by his wife, former actress Kalpana Karthik, Sunil and a daughter.
According to Churiwala, the cremation will be held next week in London. “He will be cremated in London only after Tuesday. Cremation cannot take place till his daughter reaches there. His body is kept in a hospital,” he said.
Dev Anand, who started his career in the black and white era with 1946 film Hum Ek Hain, spent 65 years under the arc lights as an actor and filmmaker.
Known as Mr Charming and the ‘Adonis’ of Indian cinema, the Dada Saheb Phalke award winner worked tirelessly, coming up with new films after short intervals. He never hung his boots or sat on his laurels. In fact, just before his death, he was planning another movie. His latest film Chargesheet, which he acted and directed and was released this year, became his swan song.
Dev Anand seemed to have adopted the philosophy of the song Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya from Hum Dono, in real life too. His body of work speaks volumes about the man who was not only a great actor, but multi-tasker and a trendsetter.
If as an actor he proved his versatility with hits like Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Jewel Thief and Guide, as a director he made a ‘zara hatke’ movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna that also gave Bollywood its first anglicised glamour icon in Zeenat Aman. He was also instrumental in bringing Tina Munim, Richa Sharma, Jackie Shroff and Tabu into the glamour world.
He played a long innings in filmdom, but his never-say-die spirit reigned supreme. All this is encapsulated in his autobiography Romancing with Life.
From colleagues to fans, everyone woke up to a rude Sunday morning shock as the news of the legendary actor’s passing away in London unfolded here.
President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and several other political leaders condoled the demise of the veteran actor, saying the Indian film industry had lost one of its most endearing heroes who personified the spirit of graceful ageing with dignity.
The president said Dev Anand was a legendary film artist as well as a producer, director and writer who adorned Hindi cinema with great distinction. “He delighted Hindi cinema fans with his vivacious acting and as a popular romantic hero of his times.”
“In his passing away, the film industry has lost a creative talent and a man who personified the spirit of graceful ageing with dignity,” she added.
The Vice President said in his message that Dev Anand had an intense passion for films and continued with his artistic pursuits throughout his life.
“The intensity and dedication that he brought to his acting, direction and production were indicative of his passion for the medium and millions of his admirers and fans have appreciated his work. His absence from the world of cinema is a terrible loss,” he said.
The Prime Minister said in his message that the country had honoured the legend with Padma Bhushan and several other awards, reflecting the impact and place he made for himself in the hearts of the film going public.
“In the passing away of the legendary actor, the Indian film industry has lost one of its most endearing heroes,” he added.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said the legendary actor symbolised the creative genius of Indian cinema and his films had moving lyrics and melodious songs.
BJP president Nitin Gadkari said in his message that the death of Dev Anand marks the end of an era in the Indian film industry. (IANS)