Early Life & Background
- Full Name: Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand (Dev Anand)
- Born: September 26, 1923
- Birthplace: Shakargarh, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan)
- Died: December 3, 2011 (aged 88) in London, UK
- Education: BA in English Literature from Government College, Lahore
- Family:
- Brother: Chetan Anand (filmmaker)
- Brother: Vijay Anand (filmmaker & actor)
Dev Anand was passionate about acting and moved to Mumbai to join the film industry in the early 1940s.
Film Career & Stardom
Early Struggles & Breakthrough (1940s–1950s)
- Started working at Military Censor Office in Mumbai while trying to get film roles.
- Debut Film: Hum Ek Hain (1946)
- Got his first major hit with Ziddi (1948), starring opposite Kamini Kaushal.
- Became a romantic hero with a charming personality and unique dialogue delivery.
Golden Era of Dev Anand (1950s–1970s)
- Founded Navketan Films (1949) with his brother Chetan Anand, producing iconic films.
- Known for his stylish mannerisms, fast-paced dialogue delivery, and evergreen looks.
Notable Films
- Baazi (1951) – Established him as a film noir-style hero.
- Guide (1965) – One of his greatest performances, based on R.K. Narayan’s novel.
- Jewel Thief (1967) – A suspense thriller with an engaging storyline.
- Johny Mera Naam (1970) – A huge box-office success.
- Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) – Introduced Zeenat Aman and the hit song Dum Maro Dum.
Later Career (1980s–2000s)
- Continued acting and directing, though the 1980s–90s saw a decline in his box-office success.
- Directed and produced films like Des Pardes (1978), Lootmaar (1980), and Censor (2001).
Personal Life & Legacy
- Marriage: Married actress Kalpana Kartik in a private ceremony.
- Children: Son Suneil Anand.
- Style Icon: Known for his scarf, puffed hairstyle, and youthful charm.
- Awards & Honors:
- Padma Bhushan (2001) – India’s third-highest civilian award.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2002) – India’s highest honor in cinema.
Dev Anand was one of Bollywood’s most loved and influential stars, leaving behind a legacy of timeless films and unforgettable music.
