IN REMEMBRANCE

Patna, Dec. 4: From the roadside saloon to the photo studio in the market, portraits of Dev Anand still adorn the walls of innumerable shops in Patna and outside. The cinema legend remains the ultimate style icon for the common man in the state.

Hundreds of actors came and went but none could replace that photo of Dev Saab, as he was fondly called by his fans, from the dust-coated frames in those big and small shops. The ageless actor ruled the hearts of men and women alike and became an inspiration for youths of his generation and many more to come.

Not just the film industry, Bihar too had its special moments with Dev Saab when the actor visited the state for the shooting of Johny Mera Naam along with Hema Malini in the 70s. The song O Mere Raja from the film was shot in the Nalanda ruins. Director Vijay Anand shot quite a few of his songs in old monuments.

His fans today woke up to the shocking news of his demise at a London hotel following a cardiac arrest. From ordinary men and women to senior politicians, all mourned the loss of the legendary actor, director and producer.

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, while speaking to The Telegraph, thanked Dev Saab for giving him the first break in films. “I do not know what kind of relationship other people shared with him but for me, he was a special person. I got my first break in Bollywood in his film Prem Pujari. He was the one who convinced the director and producer of the film to give me the role. Many people did not appreciate my acting but Dev Saab thought justice was not done to me,” Sinha said.

“Dev Saab got me another film, Gambler, and after that there was no looking back for me. Later, I got the privilege to work with him in a film called Shareef Budmaash (1973). His sudden demise has come as a rude shock for me. It is the saddest moment of my life. I would say that he was the last Mughal of Bollywood,” Sinha said. “Nobody in film industry can take his place,” he added.

Bollywood and Bhojpuri star Ravi Kissen also recalled his days of struggle while paying tribute to Dev Anand. “During my struggle days, I went to the office of Dev Saab and he did not make me wait for more than five minutes. He was such an energetic man, it was so easy to meet him and he blessed me with good words. For him, age was not a barrier. When I got the news of his demise, I was shooting for my upcoming film in Varanasi. I was stunned for a while. I can only say that he was a legend.”

Bhojpuri folk singer Sharda Sinha cannot forget the day when she could not meet Dev Saab despite being in the same hotel. “I had got the Gold Disc award for a Bhojpuri song in 1987 and was staying at hotel Sun-n-Sand in Mumbai. That time I came to know that one of the rooms in the hotel is always booked for Dev Saab. In fact, that day he was present in the hotel but I could not meet him. I wish I had met him, he was such a gentleman. He always inspired the young generation and gave newcomers a chance in the industry,” Sharda said.

Bhojpuri singer and actor Manoj Tiwari recalled the day he met Dev Saab at the Mumbai airport when both were to board the same flight. “It was my privilege to meet the veteran star who was looking handsome as always with a yellow scarf around his neck. I touched his feet and he blessed me. Dev Saab will remain an inspiration for everyone in the film industry,” Manoj said.

Patna girl and Bollywood star Neetu Chandra said: “Dev Anand was multi-talented. He has a special place in the hearts of crores of his fans. People will always remember him for his films like Guide, Jewel Thief, Johny Mera Naam and Hare Rama Hare Krishna.”

The demise of the evergreen star of Bollywood pained politicians too. RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who is a huge fan, said: “I have been seeing his films since I was a schoolboy. Any film which had Dev Anand would draw crowd in hordes to the cinema.” Lalu said he got an opportunity to meet the film star last year at a show hosted by a TV channel. “Dev Saab was full of enthusiasm. Even then he appeared energetic and dynamic. I am sure millions of his admirers will miss him,” Lalu said.

Chief minister Nitish Kumar grieved the death of the legendary actor and hailed his contribution to the film industry. “Dev Anand, who ruled the hearts of audience of all ages during a glorious film career spanning over six decades, will be remembered by all. Dev Saab’s death has left an emptiness in the film industry,” he said in a condolence message.