Dev Anand passes away; last rites in London

Mumbai: Screen legend Dev Anand died in his sleep on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy of classics like ‘Guide’ and ‘Hum Dono’. From colleagues to fans - everyone woke up to a rude Sunday morning shock as the news of the legendary actor Dev Anand passing away in London unfolded. Hindi cinema’s evergreen star who epitomised the suave, urban gentleman on screen, died after a cardiac arrest in London. He was 88. "His son Sunil came out of the bathroom and saw that Dev saab was not responding. He called the doctor, who said that he had a heart attack. He died at 10 in the night in London," Mohan Churiwala, Dev Anand's manager, said. 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 right now," adding that his wife may also accompany her daughter.  He is survived by his wife, former actress Kalpana Karthik, a son and a daughter. In a career spanning over 65 years, Dev Anand worked in films like `Kala Pani`, ‘Guide`, `Hum Dono`, `Tere Ghar Ke Samne`, `Gambler`, `Jewel Thief`, `Hare Rama Hare Krishna` and `Ishq Ishq Ishq`. The stalwart was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001. His last film `Chargesheet`, which released this year, was directed, written and produced by him. The film proved to be a dud at the Box Office, but his enthusiasm to contribute more to Hindi Cinema could not be dampened. A controversial personality, Dev Anand made films that were bold, something the Indian audiences could never expect from an Indian filmmaker. However, he was loved and adored for who he was - a happy-go-lucky man, who was full of life. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan expressed grief over the death of his senior colleague and took to the Twitter to say, “Had just met Dev Sahab at his premiere recently…he was weak but full of life(sic)”. 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 played a long innings in filmdom and saw ups and downs, but his never-say-die spirit reigned supreme. His fans and colleagues still say, "Abhi na jao chodkar ki dil abhi bhara nahin". 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." Recalling his movies, Patil said: "He shall always be remembered by a generation of film watchers for his exemplified acting in the movies -- `Taxi Driver`, `Munimji`, `Guide`, `Johny Mera Naam`, `Hare Rama Hare Krishna` and `Des Pardes`." "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 88-year-old actor passed away after a massive cardiac arrest in London. 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. "Dev Anand leaves behind an extremely rich repertoire of acclaimed films and his fans will forever remember the roles he essayed in film classics like `Guide`, `Hum Dono` and `Prem Pujari`," Singh said. "In the passing away of the legendary actor, the Indian film industry has lost one of its most endearing heroes," he added. The prime minister said Dev saab, as the actor was known in the film industry, was a great artist who "entertained generations for over five decades as the enduring romantic of Indian cinema". 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. "With his multi-faceted skills, he emerged as an iconic figure and evergreen star accepted across generations. As a filmmaker, he integrated modernism with traditional values," she said. "His films not only provided entertainment, they sensitised masses on contemporary social issues," she added. Bharatiya Janata Party (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. The iconic star is survived by his wife, former actress Kalpana Kartik, a son and a daughter.

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