Ashes will be immersed in Godavari river
There was a poignant finality to the moment as Dev Anand — the man who famously pleaded with his on-screen beloved, abhi na jao chhod kar, ke dil abhi bhara nahin — was on Saturday cremated in a west London crematorium, not far from the hotel where he passed away a week ago following a massive heart attack. He was 88.
As his casket arrived at the Putney Vale Crematorium, there was a scramble among his fans to lend a hand while television crews jostled for that final shot of Hindi cinema's arguably the most charismatic actor of his generation.
Pallbearers, led by his son, Suneil Anand, were surrounded by friends and journalists as they carried the coffin into the crematorium where his last rites were performed.
Later, tributes were paid to the late film-maker at a memorial meeting at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Kensington.
Dev Anand's ashes would be taken to India for immersion in the Godavari river.
His son said that “a fitting memorial service will be held for him at the Mehboob Studio” in Mumbai.
Recalling his father's last days, Mr. Anand, who was by his side when he died, said that “dad” was extremely happy to be back in London and excited about the prospect of travelling around Britain.
“His next film was to be shot in Britain and other European countries and he was looking forward to go on a location hunting expedition,” he said.
The best tribute to Dev Sahib, he said, would be to complete that film, a sequel to Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, and other unfinished projects he had left behind.
“It is a lonely world without him. But I know he is up there somewhere and smiling.”
Keywords: Dev Anand funeral
Very sad to hear about Dev sahib - what a man and what an innings! Lived
life to the fullest and taught many how to take each day - a brave man
who was not afraid to break taboos and lead. May God bless his soul.
Will miss you Sir.
Devanand was the incarnation of life...He will remain in our memories
for his attitude towards life...His last wish manifests his liveliness..
I just dont find words to say about him....
I can understand Suneil Anand's feelings. I have never met Dev Anand.
I still feel that I have lost an elder brother in my family. It has
not been possible for me to reconcile to his demise. The loss is
indeed irreparable, not only for Suneil, but for all his fans like me.
I share his grief. The scenes and songs from his films are rolling
over in my mind for the last one week - Ham hai raahi pyar ke, ham se
kuch na boliye, Jahan me aisa kaun hai ki jis ko gham nahin mila -
sukh aur dukh ke raaste bane hai sab ka vaaste, kabhi kudh pe, kabhi
haalaath pe rona aaya, jeevan ke safar meraa hi, milte hain bichad
jaane ko aur dhey jaathe hain yaaden thanhaay me thadpaane ko, theri
julfon se judaayi nahin maangi thi, qaid maangi thi, rehaayee nahin
maangi - so many songs, so many dialogues and so many excellent
actions of his keep on coming like a torrent - I never knew that his
demise would affect me this much - adhuri aas chod kar, adhuri pyaas
chod kar, Dev has left us. God is cruel.
My deepest condolance go out to all Devanand loved one's.He was a great talent and he may rest in peace.
Each word of tribute by Suniel tells very high about the great culture and family bonding of Dev Saab family.
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