Six decades in Bollywood & still going strong!

A journey of 65 years in Bollywood is quite simply unmatched and without any parallel, and Dev Anand, the truly evergreen and ageless living legend has been there, done that, and strode the stage as actor, director, producer and writer. It can be said of him without even a hint of exaggeration that he is an institution by himself. His life story seamlessly bridges the divide between reel and real, and is a living example for those who feel life is an impossible journey.

Born Sep 26, 1923 at Gurdaspur in undivided India, Dev Anand graduated in English Literature from Government Law College, Lahore. His love for cinema made him leave his hometown and reach Bombay to pursue his passion.

Starting his career as a complete unknown during the pre-Independence period, with great perseverance, struggle and hard work, Dev Saab announced his entry as a debonair romantic hero in the 50s and 60s. In the 70s he turned to directing films.

In a span of six decades, Dev Anand has acted in more than 100 films, produced 29 films, directed 18 films, and written the script for about 13 films. Most of the films were produced under his Navketan banner, a production house almost six decades old.

Several big names in Bollywood owe their success to Dev Anand such as Gurudutt, Jaidev, Sahir Ludhianvi, Neeraj, Kishore Kumar, Vijay Anand, Kabir Bedi, Shatrughan Sinha, Zarina Wahab, Zahida, Zeenat Aman, Amit Khanna, Tina Munim, Johnny Walker, Jackie Shroff, Shabana Azmi, Tabu, Shekar Kapur, Suneil Anand, Udit Narayan, and Abhijeet.

Dev Anand has acted in several memorable films which continue to be spoken about even today and will be for eternity. Who can ever forget Taxi Driver, CID Munimji, Funtoosh, Paying Guest, Nau Do Gyarah, Kala Paani, Baat Ek Raat Ki, Hum Dono, Johnny Mera Naam, Hare Rama Hare Krishna., Tere Mere Sapne, Gambler, Prem Pujari, Yeh Gulistan Hamara, Des Pardes and many more.

Dev Saab's fame extends is the evergreen songs in his films, which instantly recall to one's mind his unique style of delivery and mannerisms. His all-time great melodies such as Jaaye to jaaye kahaan, Aankhon hi aankhon mein, Jeevan ke safar mein raahi, Dukhi man mere, Mana janaab ne pukaara, Khoya khoya chand, Na tum hamen jaano, Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai, Dum maaro dum, Raam ka naam badnaam na karo, still linger in the memory of music lovers.

Dev Saab is one of the few film makers who was politically aware and whose films dealt with socially relevant themes in a mainstream media format. A man of amazing energy and enthusiasm, Dev Anand even at 85 years of age continues to act, write, produce, and direct films. Films in the pipeline include an all American film, Song of Life in English and another one to be directed by his son Sunil Anand.