As he speaks, Dev Anand seems just like the character from the climax scene of “Guide”, who proclaims nirvana (bliss); a state wherein there is no sorrow, no joy but pure enlightenment. Despite his western attire, you see a man detached yet alive to every sensation, nonetheless completely at peace with himself and to whom success or failure don't matter anymore.
His words spring forth at tremendous speed but they reflect profound introspection and you never doubt his sincerity when he proclaims, “I have no fear and it's an absolute state of joy to be in.”
Like his magnetic screen persona that left audiences spellbound, Dev's real life presence is also infectious. Age may have shrunken his fragile physique but it hasn't lessened Dev's graceful demeanour and his energy gets transmitted to everyone around him because he is in love with every moment of life. The ever smiling actor believes “being restless is being alive” and that “constant learning inspires creativity”.
Even after 65 years in showbiz, he professes to be “a passionate observer of life” whereby fresh ideas spur newer endeavours of creativity and whenever a thought or an incident inspires him, Dev is able to finish a script in three days flat. Contrary to his westernised image, he writes in Hindi, “with a pen as I am equally at ease with English and Hindi.” Even now, he has five scripts registered and would go for shooting soon after his new movie “Chargesheet” is released!
But right now he is excited about presenting “Hum Dono” in colour which was done at the request of his well wishers as it would allow several youngsters, who might have missed seeing Dev Anand, to become aware of his youthful, romantic image. Dev opines the new cinemascope offering would make everyone fall in love again since “Hum Dono” is a human drama that involves the best of music, drama, romance and emotion.
Close to heart
In his impish style, Dev predicts “‘Hum Dono' will make youngsters sing ‘Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin' (famous Rafi and Asha duet) because the heart is never content when love is in the air”. Though he made all movies with passion, the much applauded “Hum Dono”, like “Guide”, is close to his heart since “Sahir gave me my life's philosophy and Jaidev a distinct identity in Rafi's magical voice with ‘Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya'.” The super star is trifle sorry that he couldn't repeat Jaidev again on account of Dada Burman's close affinity.
While not averse to old classics being coloured if the producers so desire, Dev is vehemently opposed to re-making of old films. “Trifling with other's creation exhibits bankruptcy of ideas” and a “sign of stupidity especially when life has so many fascinating facets to explore!” But pray, why is he then toying with the idea of remaking “Hare Ram Hare Krishna” (HRHK) as reported recently? That is media's construction, he says, which twisted his statement about having written a modern sequel to “HRHK”.
The idol is not too enamoured by the method school of acting which emphasises elaborate preparation for a role. Dev confides that the much appreciated, cigar chewing Major of “Hum Dono” was created through his own experiences as acting is largely interpretation and improvisation of your own observations. Film making too is all about using deft imagery and Dev elaborates how Vijay Anand created the war sequences of Burma front within Santa Cruz Army Centre and jungles of Film City in Bombay. Dev reveals Vijay Anand, despite being the writer and director of “Hum Dono”, selflessly gave the name of his good friend Amarjeet as the director to promote his career and remained silent even when Amarjeet was nominated for the Golden Bear at 1962 Berlin International Film Festival!
Even though he misses his brothers Chetan and Vijay as well as several companions like S.D. Burman, Sahir, Rafi and Kishore Kumar for their invaluable creative inputs, Dev is not inclined to cry and worry. Dev may be alone but he is never lonely since he has his mind for company and even a stray phone call from a complete stranger, wanting nothing more than listen to his voice, rejuvenates Dev as “it is a divine blessing that someone, somewhere is thinking of me!”
Would he ever consider making a film on his own life? The answer is a firm no. But ask him if he identifies with the enlightened Karma Yogi of “Guide” and Dev stoically admits feeling “sorrow and joy but temporarily as I am in a state of perpetual happiness, convinced that whatever happens, happens for good.”
To him, film making is a wonderful opportunity to “watch others stare at your creation, a fantastic feeling of being the Lord and Master of the World” and so like a true yogi, he enjoys the journey of creation more than the box office returns. Surely, none can dispute Lord Krishna's philosophy of “Gita” when it is uttered in complete honesty by his favourite disciple and everyone's darling Dev Anand.
Probably, a visit to new “Hum Dono” would be the right way to thank the evergreen hero for romancing with our lives!
