Legendary actor Dev Anand was the very definition of charm and charisma in Hindi cinema. Over a glittering career spanning more than six decades, he starred in timeless classics such as ‘Guide’, ‘Jewel Thief’, ‘CID’, ‘Kala Pani’, and many more. From his boyish smile to his effortless screen presence, Dev Anand captivated audiences across generations.
Dev Anand emphasised importance of looking young
Veteran actress Mumtaz, who starred alongside Dev Anand in ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, once shared a memorable story about him. Speaking to Radio Nasha, she said that he was obsessed with looking young.She recalled him telling her, “Even if an actor dies, their corpse should look good. He told me, ‘You need to take care of your hair and your figure and take care of yourself because you are what you look like. When you walk down the road, both men and women should turn their heads to look at you. If you take care of yourself, you will never have to worry about your age’”
Dev Anand proved age did not matter
Mumtaz also remembered visiting Dev Anand when he was 85 years old. To show her that age didn’t matter, Dev Anand asked his makeup man to open a door in his room. Behind it, three women were peeping inside. Calmly, Dev Anand handled the situation with his usual charm.She recalled, “He just casually told them that he’ll get back to them, closed the door and said to me, ‘See, baby, I still have options,’ and I just sat there saying, Wow.”
Dev Anand remains a timeless icon
Dev Anand’s life and career are a lesson in style, charm, and confidence. He passed away due to cardiac arrest on 3 December 2011 in London, England, at the age of 88. Yet, he continues to inspire generations of actors and fans alike.
