Dev Anand will live forever in our hearts

I think I have always been a Dev Anand fan.  His effervescence spilled out from the screen and affected me.  While going over my friend Pamir Harvey's post on Dev Anand's screen jodis I realised that there was hardly a heroine that did not look good with him.  In fact, I can't think of any girl that did not look good by his side.  He was so charming, he looked so in love with his leading lady that she looked like 'the one' for him.

He was so handsome, so urbane looking that is almost incredible how he managed to pull off being a poor guide in the city of Jaipur in Guide.  Even more amazing is his performance as a crook with no compunctions in Jaal.  It is a movie that deserves to be found and restored.  The song "Yeh raat yeh Chandni phir Kahan" is one of the best 10 songs from Hindi films.

Dev Anand has been in so many pathbreaking, trendsetting films.  Baazi was the first film to bring a hollywood style thriller genre to bollywood.  Jewel Thief, Johnny Mera Naam and Gambler were stylish films that wowed audiences.  Who can forget Hare Rama Hare Krishna?  Several of his later films like Yeh Gulistan Hamara, Ishq Ishq Ishq, Prem Shastra and parts of Gambler, were shot in North Eastern part of India.  Heera Panna was a road movie with Heera and Panna zipping through countryside in a car.  The story of his movies in 70s were often odd and unusual.  He is nearly in an incestous relationship in both Ishq Ishq Ishq and Prem Shastra.  These movies were not too good, but different from the loud stuff that was being trotted out in the 70s.

Dev has been in so many wonderful films that it is not possible to forget him.  His handsome looks, unparalleled screen presence and incredible talent ensures that he stays among the top 5 actors of all times.