Going back in time

The respect and adulation that Dev Anand commands even today is amazing.

The respect and adulation that Dev Anand commands even today is amazing.

Last week saw the premiere of Dev Anands classic Hum Dono-Rangeen at Mumbais Cinemax theatre and the crowd gathered had to be seen to be believed. The kind of adulation and respect that the evergreen actor commands even today is amazing. He walked the red carpet with the same grace that he did in his films while romancing his heroines. There was that glow on his face and the 88-year old thespian was willing to give sound bytes to one and all gathered to talk to him. I also waited patiently to catch a glimpse of the star of the golden era.

Of course,I had the opportunity to meet him long back when I was on my rounds distributing the invites for the Screen awards. It was at his Anand Studios. When I reached there,I was guided to an upper floor. And yes,I got lost among his files and table full of print reels. A man came to me and politely asked what I wanted. When I told him that I had an invitation card for Devsaab,he guided me to Ashok,who talked and walked like the thespian. He asked me if I would like to meet the legend himself. Taken by surprise,I could only nod my head in affirmation. Grinning,he led me up several stairs and opened the only door on one floor. That was the terrace of the building and there was Devsaab himself,sitting with a guest and having chai and biscuits. As soon as he saw me,he started walking towards me. I was at a loss of words for two seconds before I regained my composure. I went to him with the card and explained why I had come to meet him. He took the card and started reading it. With a twinkle in his eye,he said he would try to be there as he was busy with a shoot. As I was leaving Devsaab stopped me saying,Young lady,you cannot leave without having a cup of tea with me. I stopped in my tracks and apologised profusely since I dont drink tea. He smiled and offered me some biscuits which,of course,I could not refuse. Finally,he opened the door and bade me goodbye with a smile. He may not recall that small meeting,but it is still etched in my memory.

Now again I was tongue-tied. Here was this legend stopping his important discussion to have a word with someone who had just dropped by without an appointment. That was when I realised that Devsaab is so down-to-earth. He has all the name and fame in the world,but he is so humble when it comes to meeting a fan. Of course,I was not a typical fan,but I just happened to be lucky.

At the premiere of the colorised version of his black-and-white film too,when he was being guided inside the theatre,he would turn back to answer a query made by a journalist. Despite the premiere of a Hollywood film Sanctum,the Hindi film industry came in full force for Hum Dono. Devsaab spoke to each and every guest and waited till 2.45 am when the film got over.

That is the kind of energy and enthusiasm he oozes even at the age of 88. Films are his jaan,I must say,and I am sure,everyone will agree.

namita.nivasexpressindia.com