Remembering the Legacy of Bollywood Icon Dev Anand on His 100th Birth Anniversary

The Charismatic Superstar’s Enduring Appeal

September 26, 2023 marks Dev Anand’s 100th birthday and provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate the legacy of the charismatic superstar. Known for his signature puff hairstyle and evergreen charm, Dev Anand, along with contemporaries like Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, emerged as a hugely popular romantic hero, acting in over 110 films starting with his 1946 debut Hum Ek Hain.

Some of his most memorable hits from his heydey include Guide, Jewel Thief, Prem Pujari and Johny Mera Naam.

Bringing Complex Heroes to Life

Dev Anand exuded an effortless on-screen charisma in classics like Guide and Johny Mera Naam that instantly connected with audiences. His morally ambiguous heroes with shades of grey made him more complex than the usual Bollywood hero of the time. Songs like “Gaata Rahe Mera Dil” (Guide) and “Hai Apna Dil To Aawara” (Solva Saal) showcased his trendsetting sense of style that influenced menswear.

Promoting New Talent Through Navketan Films

Behind the camera, Dev Anand promoted new talent by launching the careers of actors like Zeenat Aman, Tina Munim and Jackie Shroff through his banner Navketan Films. He collaborated with music director S.D. Burman and lyricist Sahir Ludhianvi delivered some of their finest work in Navketan films like Baazi.

Embodying the Optimism of Young India

With an optimistic outlook, Dev Anand’s modern, urban characters represented the progressive youth of the 50s and 60s. Even in the 70s, when leading men half his age emerged, Dev Anand continued playing romantic leads into his 60s, endearing him to fans for his eternal youthfulness. His passion for cinema kept him working until the age of 88 with his last film Chargesheet (2011).

Remembering Dev Anand on His 100th Birthday

On Dev Anand’s 100th birthday, celebrities like Zeenat Aman and Rajesh Roshan have shared tributes. His movies remain joyous celebrations of life and music for Hindi cinema fans. The centenary of the stylish, progressive icon is a reminder of the many unforgettable moments he gifted audiences, from his bungalow in Juhu where he lived with his wife Kalpana Kartik and children Suneil Anand and Devina.