One of the finest actors in the history of Indian cinema, Dev Anand passed away last week. With a career spanning over 65 years, Dev Saab was a true legend and the greatest architect of the Bollywood dream. He challenged convention and won us over with his charisma, charm and unique mannerisms. A dreamer with an eternally young heart, he never wanted to stop working and his newest movie, Chargesheet which came out earlier this year was the best example of his love for cinema.
His undying passion for his work is the stuff of dreams and even though it is impossible to list out all my favorite Dev Anand movies and songs, I feel greatly honored to be writing about this real hero and I feel the best way to pay tribute to him this is to celebrate his beautiful movies and the uplifting songs from these movies that became classics thanks to his signature dance moves and his inimitable style.
1) Tadbeer Se Bigdee Huyee Taqdeer from Baazi
This classic directed by Dev Anand’s friend Guru Dutt was one of the finest gems in his illustrious career. Dev Anand produced and played the lead in this film based on the life of a gambler.
2) Leke Pehla Pehla Pyar from CID
The movie marked the debut of the wonderful Waheeda Rahman and Dev Anand played a cop to perfection. The movie had many lovable songs like Aankhon hi aankhon mein, Jaata kahan hai deewane, Kahin pe nigahen and Aye dil hai mushkil jeena yahan.
3) Hai Apna Dil Toh Awara from Solva Saal
A wonderfully mushy film, it had silver screen’s favorite jofi, Waheeda Rahman and Dev Saab. Its a total delight watching him at his flirtatious best.
4) Mana Janab Ne Pukara Nahin from Paying Guest
This is one of the funniest Dev Anand movies ever and his impeccable coming timing makes it memorable. He had some fab chemistry with Nutan and the songs especially Kishore Kumar‘s Mana Janab Ne, Haye Haye Yeh Nigahen, O Nigahen Mastana and Chand Phir Nikla make me all dreamy eyed.
5) Accha Ji Main Hari from Kala Paani
A romantic song that featured Madhubala and Dev Anand, it totally manages to tug at your heartstrings.
In the golden voice of Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhonsle, the song Accha Ji Main Haari is perfect for cheering up an angry lover.
6) Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata from Hum Dono
Hum Dono saw the remarkable actor in a double role showcasing his versatility. And boy it was so immensely popular that they re-released it in colour in 2011. The songs are true gems especially Main Zindagi which has a beautiful message, Abhi Na Jao Chodke (the most beautiful romantic song ever) and Allah Tero Naam.
7) Gaata Rahe Mera Dil from Guide
One of the greatest classics Bollywood’s ever produced, Guide was a landmark film was based on an R.K.Narayan novel. It is clearly one of Dev Saab’s best performances ever. Some of the most popular songs of the movie are Wahan kaun hai tera, Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna, Tere mere sapne, Kya se kya ho gaya, Din dhal jaaye.
8) Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara from Jewel Thief
One of the finest thrillers that Dev Anand produced along with his brother Vijay Anand, Jewel Thief is incredibly inriguing.
I heart the music especially Yeh Dil, Raat akeli, Aasman ke neeche, Hothon pe aisi baat, Dil pukare aare. This song is great recap for his fans coz you see a lot of his signature moves and walking style.
9) Khoya Khoya Chand from Kala Bazaar
Most of Dev Anand’s blockbuster songs were composed by S.D.Burman and sung by the legendary Mohammad Rafi. This was a super team and the songs of Kala Bazaar were smashing hits to their credit.
10) Pal Bhar Ke Liye from Johny Mera Naam
Considering I am a huge Hema Malini fan, this one is extra special for me. Dev Saab and Hema Malini had some awesome on-screen chemistry and we can’t get over his fab wooing. Super like.
11) Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka and Dum Maaro Dum from Hare Rama Hare Krishna
Dev Anand successfully launched some of the biggest actresses, music directors and producers Bollywood has ever seen.
And the leading lady of this movie, Zeenat Aman was also launched by him. R.D. Burman’s sizzling title track became a cult classic and so did the movie.
His good looks which were often compared to Gregory Peck made him one of the finest style icons we’ve ever seen. I would love to know what your favorite Dev Anand memories are, so would love if you share. Here was a man who truly celebrated his life and worked till his last breath. His wonderful movies will be an inspiration for many generations to come. At 88, he was the youngest star the Indian soil has ever produced and his indomitable spirit will keep him alive in our hearts forever.