Dev Anand's 96th birth anniversary: Some lesser-known facts about the legend

Dev Anand, an unimitable Bollywood superstar whose style of romance made girls' heart skip a beat back then, was loved for his charismatic personality. In a career spanning more than 65 years, the heartthrob came to be known for his different perspective and bold choices.

Born as Dharam Dev Anand, he spent his early years in Gharota village of Shakargarh tehsil in Gurdaspur district in Punjab (British India), and completed his schooling from Sacred Heart School in Dalhousie. Later, he joined Lahore’s Government College for a BA degree in English Literature.

Today is the 96th birth anniversary of the legend, and on this occasion, let's recall his journey. In case you don't know much about our Adonis of Indian cinema, here are some lesser-known facts about him.

Dev Anand was a huge Ashok Kumar fan and decided to take up acting after watching his films like Achhut Kanya and Kismat.
The actor debuted as lead actor with the 1948 movie Ziddi, co-starring Kamini Kaushal
Dev Anand has produced 35 films and directed 19 movies
He was reportedly barred from wearing black suits in public. Reason? His die-hard female fans who used to jump off their buildings on seeing him, especially in a black suit
Singer-actor Suraiya and Dev Anand fell in love during the shooting of the song 'Kinare kinare chale jayenge' from the film Vidya. Actually, while shooting the scene, the boat capsized and Anand saved Suraiya from drowning just like a real-life hero. Later, on the sets of 1950 film Afsar, Anand proposed to Suraiya by giving her a diamond ring worth Rs 3,000
Dev Anand was a politically active film star. He opposed the Emergency imposed by the then prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi. He campaigned against her and even formed a party National Party of India, which he disbanded later.
Dev Anand was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
The actor died in his room at The Washington Mayfair Hotel in London at the age of 88 due to a cardiac arrest on December 3, 2011 (December 4, 2011 by Indian Standard Time).