Dev Anand’s 102nd Birth Anniversary: Celebrating the Legend of Cinema, Style & Eternal Charm

Bollywood’s evergreen actor, the youngest face on the silver screen, a personality full of freshness, and a talent that shone like pearls – Dev Anand (26 September 1923 – 3 December 2011). Today, 26th September, marks his 102nd birth anniversary. He was one such superstar who won people’s hearts not only with his acting but also with his fashion. In those days, his style was so trendy that he was hailed as Bollywood’s fashion icon. With his scarves, mufflers, and jackets, he created a fashion statement. His black coat and white shirt look became legendary.

Dev Anand: Legendary Bollywood Icon, Filmmaker, and Inspiration Across Generations

Born on 26 September 1923 in Gurdaspur, Punjab, Dev Anand’s real name was Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand. His father, Pishori Lal Anand, was a noted lawyer. Along with being an actor, Dev Anand was also a writer, filmmaker, and director. With his exceptional acting skills, magnetic on-screen presence, and a career spanning over six decades, he left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Today, he remains a legend who will forever inspire generations to come. (Dev Anand 102nd birth anniversary 2025)

Life Struggles

After completing his schooling in Dalhousie, he pursued higher studies at a college in Lahore. His brothers, Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand, were also successful directors in Indian cinema. His sister Sheel Kanta Kapoor is the mother of noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. In an interview, Dev Anand once revealed that when he first came to Mumbai in search of work, he had only 3 rupees in his pocket. He initially worked at the Military Censor’s Office for a monthly salary of ₹65. Later, he also worked as a clerk in an accountancy firm for ₹85 a month. (Legendary Bollywood actor Dev Anand)

Sold a Childhood Treasure

There was a phase in Dev Anand’s life when he felt deep embarrassment. When he first arrived in Mumbai, he had no place to live and stayed at a friend of his brother’s house. But when he couldn’t find proper accommodation for long, he shared his problem with writer Abbas Sahab, who offered him shelter. Dev moved in, but after a while, he felt awkward staying for too long at someone else’s house. So, he packed his bag and his childhood stamp collection box and told them he had found another place to live. In reality, he had not. Hungry all day, he finally decided to sell his precious childhood stamps and managed to get ₹30 for them, which he used to eat a full meal. (Dev Anand life and legacy)

Film Journey

Dev Anand got his first break in 1946 with Prabhat Talkies’ Hum Ek Hain. Though the film didn’t bring him stardom, it opened doors for him. His role in Ziddi (1948), opposite Kamini Kaushal, marked his arrival as a promising actor. His portrayal of a young, rebellious man won hearts and made him noticeable.

Popular Films

His acting career began with Hum Ek Hain (1946). In 1947 came Ziddi, and after that, there was no looking back. He went on to deliver many hits – Vidya, Jeet, Afsar, Nili, Do Sitare, Sanam, Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Jewel Thief, Baazi, Andhiyan, Taxi Driver, House No. 44, Nau Do Gyarah, Pocket Maar, Asli-Naqli, Mera Naam Joker, CID, Paying Guest, Funtoosh, Kala Pani, Kala Bazaar, Prem Pujari, Guide and more, working in as many as 112 films. (Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand biography)

It was Dev Anand who launched Zeenat Aman in Hare Rama Hare Krishna, her debut film. He first noticed her at a party where she had just been crowned Miss Asia.

Evergreen Songs of Dev Anand

Some of his immortal songs include Ye Raat Ye Chandni (Jaal, 1952), Hum Bekhudi Mein (Kala Pani, 1958), Main Zindagi Ka Saath (Hum Dono, 1961), Tere Mere Sapne (Guide, 1965), Hai Apna Dil To Awara (Solva Saal, 1958), Dum Maro Dum, Dil Ka Bhanwar Kare Pukar, Pal Bhar Ke Liye Koi Humein Pyar Kar Le, Bewafa Tere Pyar Mein, and many more. (Bollywood actor, writer, filmmaker Dev Anand)

Dev Anand’s cinematic journey lasted 65 years. He lived and breathed films all his life. He passed away on 3 December 2011. In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Bhushan (2001) and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2002).

Navketan Banner and the Golden Era

In 1950, Dev Anand, along with his brother Chetan, started the Navketan banner. Their first film Afsar flopped, but Baazi (1951), directed by Guru Dutt, became a superhit. Taxi Driver (1954), co-starring Kalpana Kartik (whom he later married), was shot extensively on real locations – a novelty then. His milestone film Guide (1965), based on R.K. Narayan’s novel, was made in both Hindi and English. Directed by Vijay Anand, it starred Waheeda Rehman and gave Dev Anand one of his career’s finest performances, earning him the Best Actor award.

Dev Anand and Guru Dutt’s Friendship

The friendship between Guru Dutt and Dev Anand is legendary. It began by chance when their shirts got exchanged at Prabhat Studio’s laundry. They promised each other that if Dev ever produced a film, Guru would direct it, and if Guru produced, Dev would star in it. Dev kept his word by giving Guru Dutt his directorial break with Baazi under the Navketan banner, a turning point in Guru Dutt’s career. Guru later cast Dev as the lead in CID, though it was directed by his assistant Raj Khosla.

Dev Anand and Suraiya’s Love Story

Dev Anand and Suraiya’s romance is well known. They worked together in six films. During one shoot, Dev saved her from drowning, and Suraiya fell in love with him. However, her grandmother opposed the relationship for religious reasons, and Suraiya remained unmarried for life. Dev later admitted he loved her deeply.

Secret Marriage

During the shooting of Taxi Driver, Dev met actress Mona Singh, later known as Kalpana Kartik. Their friendship blossomed into love. One day during a lunch break, the two slipped out, completed a court marriage, and returned to the set as though nothing had happened. Their secret was first noticed by a cameraman, who spotted a new ring on Kalpana’s finger. Dev later said he kept the marriage private because he believed it was a personal matter, not something to announce publicly.

Kalpana Kartik, a Christian-Punjabi, was introduced to films by Chetan Anand, who renamed her from Mona Singh. After marrying Dev, she quit acting. Together, they had two children, Suniel Anand and Devina.

Fashion Icon Dev Anand

Dev Anand was not just an actor but a style icon. His puffed hairstyle, charming smile, and modern outfits made him a trendsetter. His unique walk, the way he lit a cigarette, his jackets and scarves – all became youth crazes. He was the ultimate romantic hero of his time.

Foray into Politics

Disturbed by the political scenario of the 1970s, Dev Anand also formed his own political party – National Party of India. He launched it after opposing Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. At its inception in 1979 at Mumbai’s Taj Hotel, many film stalwarts like Vijay Anand, V. Shantaram, G.P. Sippy, Ramanand Sagar, Dharmendra, and Hema Malini supported him. Dev Anand was unanimously chosen as its president. He was also deeply influenced by Jayaprakash Narayan’s revolutionary ideas.'

A Special Tribute on His 102nd Birth Anniversary

On Dev Anand’s 102nd birth anniversary, Katyayani and the Three Arts Club are organizing a special event in Shimla, celebrating his life through memories, anecdotes, and evergreen songs.

Dev Anand was not merely an actor – he was the embodiment of passion, style, and courage. His struggles, confidence, and experimentation continue to inspire generations. Whether it was the hungry young man who sold his childhood stamps for food or the superstar who won millions of hearts – Dev Saab was exceptional in every role.

On behalf of the Bollyy family, heartfelt tribute to Dev Anand ji on his 102nd birth anniversary. His zest for life, style, and courage will always inspire us. Dev Saab, you will forever remain alive in our hearts.

FAQ

Q1. When was Dev Anand born?
Dev Anand was born on 26 September 1923 in Gurdaspur, Punjab.

Q2. What was Dev Anand’s real name?
His real name was Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand.

Q3. What were Dev Anand’s professions?
Dev Anand was an actor, writer, filmmaker, and director, contributing immensely to Indian cinema.

Q4. How long was Dev Anand’s career in Bollywood?
His career spanned over six decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in Hindi cinema.

Q5. What made Dev Anand a legend in Bollywood?
Dev Anand was known for his magnetic on-screen presence, exceptional acting skills, and timeless charm, leaving a lasting impact on generations.

Q6. Did Dev Anand receive awards for his work?
Yes, he received numerous awards and recognition for his contribution to Indian cinema, including Filmfare Awards and national honors.

Q7. Where was Dev Anand from?
Dev Anand was born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and became a prominent figure in Mumbai’s Bollywood industry.

Q8. Why is Dev Anand remembered today?
He is remembered for his iconic films, inspirational legacy, and everlasting influence on actors and filmmakers across generations.

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