“Why should I stop when I still have so much to deliver?” asks Dev Anand with confidence sitting at his new Navketan office at Khar, Mumbai. The legendary actor, producer, writer and director takes a break from the editing of his latest production, “Charge Sheet”, to talk about his project, forthcoming ventures and his works.The setting sun adds to the romantic image of India's greatest romantic actor as he flashes his million dollar smile.
“I will retire only when I am bed-ridden and absolutely unable to work. I cannot think of idling; my mind is continuously on the move. I have to keep moving with the times.My latest film ‘Charge Sheet' is a contemporary murder mystery, which also depicts corruption in the police force. It has some brilliant moments and the entire approach is realistic.Of course the film conveys a message, which you will understand when you see it.”
For the 60th year of Navketan Internationals, Dev Anand has written, produced and directed ‘Charge Sheet', which also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Jackie Shroff, Ria Sen and many newcomers whom Dev Anand is introducing in his inimitable style.“Wait for them and my three new music directors who have composed five golden melodies for ‘Charge Sheet' in traditional Navketan style. They will be the stars and composers of the forthcoming days. I am not naming them as I want them to be a surprise package. I also assure you my makeup in ‘Charge Sheet' is one that has not been seen in any of my earlier films. I play a retired CBI chief and am confident that my film will be loved by the audience.”
In the past three decades, except for an average hit with “Lashkar”, Dev Anand has not had a single hit. His films have come and gone unnoticed, unlike in the past when even an average film yielded the maximum initial draw. Dev Anand refutes this view, “My films may have flopped. But that does not indicate I flopped too!Otherwise how can I carry on making films? My next script - a sequel to ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna' - is ready. After the release of ‘Charge Sheet', I will concentrate on the film.Two years ago when I visited Kathmundu, I went to Hotel Saltie where ‘Hare Rama…' was shot and received a tumultuous ovation from the people. This inspired me to start a sequel with a contemporary angle that of a father and daughter.”
Navketan Internationals completed its diamond jubilee last year. Its founder Dev Anand is the only one still working on as usual. Dev Anand sighs, “Navketan is incomplete without a mention of my brothers, Chetan and Vijay; my dear friends, Guru Dutt and Raj Khosla and its musical soul S.D. Burman. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Jaidev, R.D. Burman and Rajesh Roshan also contributed significantly for the growth of Navketan. I am proud that my discoveries - Shatrughan Sinha, Zeenat Aman, Tina Munim and Tabu - are well established names.I promise to contribute many more talents as long I carry on working.”
The best of Dev Anand's films were those directed by his younger brother Vijay Anand: “Guide”, “Hum Dono” and “Tere Mere Sapne”. Dev Anand admits, “Vijay Anand understood my strength, style and weakness the best. I responded well to his direction and he was a master of his craft. Chetan Anand was a visionary who excelled in classic themes. Guru Dutt was innovative to the core and Raj Khosla really lyrical in his approach.”
His famous puff, lifted left eyebrow, nodding of the head and sartorial elegance made him the matinee idol of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s along with Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor.Dev Anand's fast-paced dialogue delivery set the silver screen afire and no other actor could romance heroines as effectively without touching them as Dev did. In fact Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor and even Aamir Khan have unabashedly copied him in romantic scenes.
Dev Anand explains, “Romance means a feeling of love, pure, serene and sublime. I never look back at the past but when I do I close my eyes and clearly visualise Chetan or Vijay directing me in ‘Taxi Driver' or ‘Guide'; what commitment and dynamism they possessed! I can also visualise Ustad Ali Akbar Khan composing on his sarod, a symbol of total devotion. And yes, S.D. Burman wielding the baton to countless haunting melodies in his inimitable style and asking me how I liked them.”
Dev Anand closes his eyes for a moment and a tear trickles down his cheek.He shrugs and gets back into the present. “As I was telling you, ‘Charge Sheet' will set a trend and I will continue contributing to the film industry.The colour version of ‘Hum Dono' will be released next month; see how brilliantly it matches the moods and texture of the original.”
Dev Anand shakes hands, pats my back affectionately and gets ready to go back to work.The workaholic that he is, he never knows to stop. As he walks, one cannot but remember the famous scene in “Kala Bazar” in which he confronts Chetan Anand to return the bag of money he once looted. The looks the brothers exchange still remain a lesson in acting.
