Industry mourns loss of a legend

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The film industry came as a whole to mourn the loss of one of its brightest lights, as tributes for Dev Anand poured in throughout Sunday. Celebs, young and old, either reminisced about their Dev Anand memories or spoke about the major influencing factor he was in their careers.
Aamir Khan, who worked in Dev Anand’s 1990 film Awwal Number, speaks of how he agreed to do the film without even looking at the script. “I remember I was at Reena’s (ex-wife) place then, and I got a call saying Dev saab wanted to work with me. My abba said I absolutely have to work in the film even before asking for the script,” he recalls, adding, “The last time we met was at the screening of Hum Dono, and even then he had such great energy.”
More than an actor and filmmaker, Dev Anand has also been the best talent scout Bollywood has ever had, and many of our leading talents have been his finds. Says Jackie Shroff, who made his debut in a Dev Anand film Swamidada, “He played a very important role in my career, and groomed me to become the person that I am. From dialogue delivery to body language, I learnt it all from him. Nobody in the industry had the kind of knowledge he did, and he constantly inspired me to become a better actor. I’ve lost a mentor and friend. But more than that, we have lost a legend.”
Hema Malini, who worked with Dev Anand in many films including Johny Mera Naam, Shareef Badmash, Janeman, Amir Garib, etc., is in awe of his endless reserves of energy. “He was so active as a person, with so much positive energy. He would proudly proclaim that he’ll never retire,” she recalls adding, “People will always remember him as a great actor, and someone who had a brilliant sense of music. Navketan Films gifted us with so many memorable movies, most of them still evergreen and fresh in people’s minds.”

(With inputs from Satej Shinde)