New Delhi/Ahmedabad/Chennai/Patna/London, Dec 4: Describing Dev Anand as a great artiste, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said he was an embodiment of a life long passion for acting and film-making.
Joining millions of his fans in condoling his death, he said, “Dev Anand was a great artiste who entertained generations of cinema lovers over five decades.
“He was an embodiment of a life long passion for acting and film-making. I join millions of his fans in mourning his death,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
Political leaders in Maharashtra paid glowing tributes to Indian cinema's legend with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan saying the country has lost an iconic film personality who gave joy to countless movie buffs.
“He will forever be remembered as Hindi cinema's evergreen hero,” Chavan said in Mumbai.
“When I saw the news on TV (about his death), I was shocked. Devsaab was an idol for us in college days. He was evergreen. We all waited for his films to release. The youth had an attraction for his action and style,” Union minister Vilasrao Deshmukh said.
“I got to know him later. True to his name, he always gave ‘anand' (happiness) to millions. There won't be any other Dev Anand,” Deshmukh said.
Be it ‘Guide', ‘CID', ‘Hum Dono or ‘Johnny Mera Naam', we loved all his films, the senior Congress leader said.
Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said Dev Anand's love for life and cinema will live on through his films.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the 88-year-old screen legend was a gift of God to the film industry and the country.
He was active till the end and never stopped making films, Pawar said.
Public Works Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said the demise of Devsaab has created a void in Indian cinema. “This is an irreparable loss.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said, “India has lost a great actor, an illustrious son, and a true patriot”.
“His demise is an irreparable loss to the film industry as well as to the Nation. Dev Anand's death has left a void that can never be filled,” she said in a statement in Chennai.
Hailing the Dada Saheb Phalke award winner as the “most versatile actor” “ever-green hero”, Jayalalithaa said, “...his (Dev Anand)'s foot prints on Indian cinema are indelible. He was a multifaceted personality and every role he played created an impact on the minds of viewers”.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the demise of Bollywood's evergreen superstar Dev Anand, saying the film and entertainment industry has lost a true “guide”.
“The guide of entertainment industry, Dev Sahab has passed away. Our tributes to him...May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote on twitter.
“During the 1975-77 Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi, Dev Sahab was the one who stood up in favour of democracy with most conviction,” Modi said on the micro-blogging site.
NRI industrialist Swraj Paul expressed grief over the death of legendary actor Dev Anand in London.
In his condolence message, Paul said that Dev Anand enthralled millions of fans not only in India but also a huge NRI audience abroad.
He also said that the actor was not only a wonderful artist but also a great human being.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar mourned the death of legendary actor Dev Anand and hailed the latter's contributions to the film industry.
Dev Anand, who ruled over the audience of all ages during a glorious film career spanning over six decades, will remembered by all for his multi-faceted personality, Kumar said in a condolence message.
“Dev Saheb's death has left a deep void in the film industry,” he said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said, “India has lost a great actor, an illustrious son, and a true patriot”.
“His demise is an irreparable loss to the film industry as well as to the Nation. Dev Anand's death has left a void that can never be filled,” she said in a statement here.
Hailing the Dada Saheb Phalke award winner as the “most versatile actor” “ever-green hero”, Jayalalithaa said, “...his (Dev Anand)'s foot prints on Indian cinema are indelible.
He was a multifaceted personality and every role he played created an impact on the minds of viewers”.
Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan described Dev Anand as an "ageless wonder".
The Governor said, "Dev Anand remained an Ever Green Hero all his life, an Ageless wonder. It is hard to believe that he is no more. Dev Anand was a darling of three generations. He was innovative, creative and loved to experiment.
"People identify him with every famous song pictured on him. That was his appeal. His demise is a huge loss to Indian Cinema. Dev Saab will remain in the hearts of his admirers forever," he said.
Tamil superstar Rajnikanth and his family members today condoled the death of legendary Bollywood star Dev Anand and said the 88-year-old actor would always remain in their hearts.
Saluting the late actor, Rajnikanth, his wife Latha Rajnikanth, daughters Aishwarya and Soundarya and sons-in-law Dhanush and Ashwin in a statement here said “Dev Anand ji, we had the proud privilege of taking your blessings, shaking hands and giving you a hug as we humbly offered “The Legend” award two-years ago. All of us here, who were part of that evening, are so moved today”.
“We salute your zest for life and your spirited energy for work. You will always stay in our hearts. We love you so much and we will miss you….,”the statement said.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav said the contribution of Dev Anand to the Hindi film industry would not be forgotten by the people.
“He will be remembered for his style of acting. Dev Anand had a life long zeal to act and produce films and his romantic roles had always appealed to the viewers,” Yadav said.
Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said: “Devanand was a great motivator and a great supporter of IFFI in Goa and the state will miss his presence and enthusiasm,” Kamat said in his condolence message.“An institution and a style icon is lost,” the chief minister said.
DMK President M Karunanidhi said, the late Padma Bhushan awardee was known for leading a simple life.
“Some of his movies like “Johny Mera Naam”, “Jewel Thief”, “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” became box office hits in many major cities across the country, including many in Tamil Nadu,” Karunanidhi said in a statement. “Though he was big actor, he was known for leading a simple life. I express my deepest condolences to his family members,” he said.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, “Dev Anand's death is an irreparable loss to the film industry. He is no more but...will remain evergreen in the hearts of his fans and continue to inspire them.”
“Dev Anand occupied a special place in Hindi film industry as a popular actor, able director and successful producer. He has become a legend due to his magnificient acting,” Naveen Patnaik, Odisha Chief Minister said condolence message.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi today expressed grief over the demise of legendary actor and filmmaker Dev Anand.
“He will be remembered for a long time for his unique personality and performance,” Gandhi said in a condolence message.
