New Delhi: Bollywood has been home to several talented actors ever since the Indian film industry came into existence. However, there have been only a few actors who managed to captivate the audience and rule their hearts.
One such legendary artist was Dev Anand.
One of the most influential personalities in Indian cinema, Dev Anand was an actor, writer, director and producer who created a niche in Bollywood with his remarkable work.
Popularly known as the ‘evergreen' star, he created a special place for himself with his unique style and dressing sense. This legendary actor did 116 films in his career span of 65 years. The Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2001 & the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Although, Dev Anand passed away at the age of 88 on 3 December 2011, he still rules the hearts of millions with his films.
On his 92nd birthday, we bring you five memorable films of the evergreen Dev Saheb:
Guide
A 1965 film, ‘Guide' was a romantic drama directed by Vijay Anand.
Starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman, Guide was based on the novel ‘The Guide' by R. K. Narayan and was an instant hit the moment it entered theatres.
The film revolved around the story of a tourist guide Raju played by Dev Anand, who falls in love with Rosie, played by Waheeda Rehman, who is the wife of a wealthy, aging archaeologist.
One of the best Bollywood classics, ‘Guide' became a treasure for the Bollywood industry, with Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman's award-winning performances and S.D Burman's memorable music.
42 years after its release, ‘Guide' was screened at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.
Hare Rama Hare Krishna
A 1971 release, ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna' featured Dev Anand, Mumtaz, and Zeenat Aman. Helmed by Dev Anand himself, the film portrayed him and Zeenat Aman as brother and sister.
The movie revolved around the decadence of the hippie culture and gave an anti-drug message.
While both Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman did justice to their role, Zeenat also won the Filmfare award for Best Supporting Actress. In fact ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna' proved to be the first step for Zeenat towards stardom.
The music of the film by R.D. Burman was also appreciated by the audience. The song ‘Dum Maaro Dum' was a huge hit for which Asha Bhosle won the Filmfare Best Female Playback Award.
Jewel Thief
Directed by Vijay Anand, ‘Jewel Thief' was a spy thriller starring Dev Anand, Vyjayantimala and Ashok Kumar in the lead roles. Tanuja was also seen in the film in a supporting role.
The film had Dev Anand playing a double role of Amar and Vinay. Produced by Dev Anand's home production, Navketan Films, ‘Jewel Thief' was a box office hit. While the film received the Filmfare Best Sound Award, Tanuja received a Filmfare nomination as Best Supporting Actress.
SD Burman also gave memorable music for the film.
Taxi Driver
Another film produced by Navketan Films, ‘Taxi Driver' was a 1954 film which was helmed by Dev Anand's brother Chetan Anand.
Starring Dev Anand, his wife Kalpana Kartik and Johnny Walker, the film revolves around a taxi driver Mangal played by Dev Anand and how his life changes after he meets Mala played by Kalpana Kartik.
The music of the film given by SD Burman became a rage.
C.I.D
Produced by Guru Dutt, ‘C.I.D' was a suspense thriller starring Dev Anand, Shakila, Johnny Walker, K. N. Singh and Waheeda Rehman.
‘C.I.D' was a 1956 film, directed by Raj Khosla, which featured Dev Anand as a C.I.D inspector investigating a case and was the debut film for veteran actress Waheeda Rehman.
O.P Nayyar gave the music for the film and the songs from ‘C.I.D' became a huge hit as did the film.
