Dev Anand

Dev Anand: A Titan of Hindi Cinema Dev Anand, born Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand (September 26, 1923 - December 3, 2011), remains an iconic figure in Indian cinema. His six-decade career, spanning over 100 films, cemented his status as one of Bollywood's most successful and celebrated actors. His contributions extended beyond acting; he also wrote, directed, and produced several films. Anand's career took off with Ziddi (1948), followed by the critically acclaimed crime thriller Baazi (1951), a landmark film considered a precursor to the "Bombay Noir" genre. He delivered a string of box-office hits throughout the 1950s and 60s, including Jaal, Taxi Driver, Kala Pani, and Kala Bazar. His romantic roles in films like Hum Dono and Tere Ghar Ke Samne further solidified his heartthrob status. A pivotal moment came with Guide (1965), an adaptation of an R.K. Narayan novel, which achieved international recognition, being nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. His collaboration with Vijay Anand on Jewel Thief (1967) proved another box-office success. His directorial debut, Prem Pujari, showcased his versatility. Johny Mera Naam (1970) and Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) were among his numerous successes in the 70s and 80s. His final film was Chargesheet (2011). Anand's distinctive fast dialogue delivery and signature head nod became his trademarks, influencing generations of actors. His films often incorporated socially relevant themes. He received numerous accolades, including four Filmfare Awards (two for Best Actor), the Padma Bhushan, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He is survived by his wife, Kalpana Kartik, and son, Suneil Anand.