President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh joined the nation in reminiscing on the distinctive characteristics of Bollywood's most lovable and cherubic thespian Dev Anand, who charmed the people both as an actor and director, on his demise.
Paying tributes to the legendary film artist, Ms. Patil said Dev Anand adorned the Hindi cinema with great distinction as a producer, director and actor. The film industry had lost a creative talent and a man who permitted the spirit of graceful ageing with dignity.
Ms. Patil said he would be remembered by film watchers for his exemplary acting in movies like Taxi Driver, Munimji, Guide, Johny Mera Naam, Hare Rama Hare Krishna , and Des Pardes .
Vice-President Hamid Ansari said the intensity and dedication that he brought to his acting, direction and production were indicative of his passion for the medium that entertained generations of Indians. Stressing that millions had appreciated his work, Mr. Ansari said his absence from the world of cinema was a terrible loss.
In his message, the Prime Minister described Dev ‘Sahab,' as he was known in the film industry, as a great artist who entertained generations for over five decades as the enduring romantic hero of Indian cinema. He left behind a rich repertoire of acclaimed films and his fans would remember forever his roles in classics like Guide, Hum Dono and Prem Pujari .
The Padma Bhushan and several other awards, he noted, reflected the impact and place he had made for himself in the hearts of the people. In the passing of the legendary star, the Indian film industry had lost one of its most endearing heroes, Dr. Singh said.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi said he would be remembered for his unique personality and performance.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar described Dev Anand as an evergreen star, who mesmerised the world of cinema as a hero and later as a highly creative director.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni said she was pained by the death of Dev Anand, who symbolised the creative genius of Indian cinema and his multifaceted skills made him an iconic figure accepted across generations.
Veteran BJP leader L.K.Advani appreciated Dev Anand's role during the Emergency and his standing up for democracy when it was suspended.
End of an era
BJP president Nitin Gadkari said Dev Anand's demise marked the end of an era in Indian film world and felt that the Guide (a film in which he was in the lead role) of entertainment had passed away.
BJP's national chief spokesperson and general secretary Ravi Shankar Prasad said Dev Anand inspired generations with his youthful spirit and exuberance till his last breath.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarded Dev Anand's film Guide as a special chapter in the history of Indian Cinema, while her Rajasthan counterpart Ashok Gehlot said his achievements would inspire dedication among youth.
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda noted that Dev Anand had a passion for life and acting, while Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said Dev Anand's death marked the end of an era in the film world.
LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan said Dev Anand charted a new path in the film industry and the nation as well with his revolutionary movies and messages against social evils.
