I call him a legend in Bollywood. I haven’t seen any actor, who was so passionate about his work. Ever since I met him for my first interview in film Journalism in November 1985, till I met him last, in October 2008, I saw him at his work, with the same enthusiasm, as I saw him on screen, in many of his films released, during his film career of over 60 years. And, during this period, he only played the lead role, which must be a record in Hindi films.
Dev Anand in 60s
It was interesting to watch this chocolate hero of 50s & 60s, perform with the same spirit at the age of 50, during the period 1970 to 1980 with young actresses like Hema Malini, Zeenat Aman, Tina Munim, who were just in their early 20s. Dev continued to work, with many other young actresses and it was surprising to see him work at 80+ with a young actress Tara Sharma. But, that was the spirit of actor called Dev Anand. In my first interview, he had said, that he would like to work in films or make films, till he breathed his last. And, he kept his word. His last film was ‘Chargesheet’, which was released on 30th September 2011 and in the same year, on 3rd December, Dev saab passed away in London due to heart attack. He had gone there for medical check up.
Dev saab in the year 2005
During my last visit to him, in his office at Anand studios , Pali Hill Bandra, in October 2008, he welcomed me with the same enthusiasm and that typical smile on his face. Actually, I had gone to meet him, with a request, to release my book ‘Fitness & Beyond’ in Pune. Incidentally, I had carried a chapter on Dev saab, being a fitness icon in bollywood. Dev saab did glance at the dummy and especially the chapter on him and also appreciated the cover page. He regretted his inability to attend the function, as he was very busy, those days, shooting for his film and simultaneous post production work. But, he did present me, his autobiography ‘Romancing with Life” with his autograph and a message for me, on it. I have still preserved that precious gift.