Dev Anand became one of Hindi cinema's biggest stars during the mid-20th century. But do you know what he did in his early days?
In his 1965 cult film 'Guide', Dev Anand (Raju, his character) said, "Na sukhhai, nadukhhai, nadeenhai, naduniya, nainsaan, nabhagwan... sirf main hoon, main hoon, main hoon, main... sirf main." Now, look at the late superstar's career and particularly his craze among fans at that time, you'll realize that the dialogue was actually written for the man himself. There was no one quite like him in his time - and needless to say, there still isn't and will never be another like him. As an actor, he introduced a new style of acting in the industry and remained an artist even after achieving commercial success. Whether it's 'Ziddi', 'Jaal', 'Taxi Driver', 'Paying Guest', 'Pocket Maar', 'Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai', 'Guide', 'Jewel Thief' or 'Tere Ghar Ke Samne' - he explored various genres of cinema throughout his career, inspiring generations of actors. And obviously, he was "Bollywood's first style icon" even before the idea of men’s style became mainstream in India.
Tribute to DEV ANAND on the anniversary of his passing.
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) December 3, 2019
“...with a career spanning 6 decades, he remained Hindi cinema’s most charismatic personality for generations of filmgoers”
seen here in ‘Uddhar’ (1949) and in ‘Hum Dono’ (1961) pic.twitter.com/rk7V1mOsuh
Credit: Film History Pics
Born on September 26, 1923, Anand worked in more than 100 films in his career spanning over six decades. However, not many know about his life before stepping into the industry. Today, on his 13th death anniversary, let's learn about that.
Dev Anand was born and brought up in the Shakargarh tehsil of the Gurdaspur district in Punjab, British India (present-day Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan). After completing his Sacred Heart School, Dalhousie (part of Punjab at that time), he enrolled at the Government College in Dharamshala and then obtained a B.A. degree in English Literature from the Government College, Lahore in British India.
He came to Bombay (now Mumbai) after completing his education and started working at the military censor's office at Churchgate, for a monthly salary of Rs. 65. There, his job was to read the letters coming for soldiers and censor unwarranted information.
Thereafter, he worked at an accounting firm as a clerk, for a monthly salary of Rs. 85.
While working as a clerk, Anand soon realized that it wasn't what he would like to do for the rest of his life. Hence, on his elder brother Chetan's suggestion, he joined the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). He did theatre for quite some time, and meanwhile, also watched a lot of Hindi films in his free time.
A turning point in his life came when he watched Ashok Kumar's (arguably the first big star of Indian cinema) performance in films like 'Achhut Kanya' and 'Kismet'. He decided to pursue an acting career, and hence, started preparing for the same.
(1936) Ashok Kumar and Devika Rani in ‘Achhut Kanya’ - “love story of Brahmin Boy with Harijan (untouchable) girl. Film sets good example of how every human is equal & love knows no boundaries”#NationalGirlChildDay pic.twitter.com/DwanwzUCSY
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) January 24, 2019
Credit: Film History Pics
Interestingly, it was Ashok Kumar himself who gave Anand his first break in 'Hum Ek Hain'. If reports are to be believed, Kumar had spotted him hanging around in the Prabhat Films' studios and helped him connect with the studios' owner.
Speaking about getting his first break, Anand shared in an interview, "I remember when I gate-crashed into the office of the man who gave me the first break, he kept looking at me – Babu Rao Pai of Prabhat Film Studios. At that time, he made up his mind that this boy deserves a break and later mentioned to his people that 'this boy struck me because of his smile and beautiful eyes and his tremendous confidence.'"
'Hum Ek Hain', co-written and directed by P. L. Santoshi in his directorial debut, was released on June 8, 1946. Although not a huge commercial success, it earned Anand enormous recognition. And it paved the way for director Shaheed Latif's 1948 film 'Ziddi' which turned out to be his breakthrough. The rest, as they say, is history!
Dev Anand's first heroine was Kamala Kotnis who went on to become a popular actress of Hindi and Telugu cinema.
Besides Anand, 'Ziddi' also helped establish actors like Kamini Kaushal and Pran in the industry.
Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar recorded their first duet "Yeh Kaun Aaya Re" in 'Ziddi'.
