I never write such posts. But he’s one actor who’s presence was quite significant through the years of my childhood, and so hearing about his death not only made me sad but also made me pushed me to pen down a few words. A friend of mine was the first to inform me of the news last night. Truthfully, I’d not paid attention to any interviews, movies, news stories about this evergreen romantic hero in the past year, but there’s hardly been a week that’s passed without me listening to a playlist of songs from his movies alone.
The first hindi song that I ever learned to sing in my life was khoya khoya chand.Hearing my uncle humming this song, I quickly picked the tune and lyrics of the song, and also learned to play the notes on his Casio. And there began my fetish for some of the funnest songs from Dev Anand’s movies. Looking back at my cassette collection, I think I own the most number of cassettes titled ‘ Dev Anand songs’ than any of my friends, or family members.
It was back in 1998 when I saw my first black n white movie ever – Tere Ghar ke Saamne. Sony channel had a Dev Anand film festival that year, and although I seldom watched movies back then, this was one rare occassion when I was thankfully allowed to watch as much TV as I wanted to. Some of the other movies I saw during that festival were CID, Kaala Paani, Hum Dono, Guide, Paying Guest, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, and Jewel Thief.
I instantly fell in love with the young, tall Dev Anand. I was mesmerized by not just his looks, but also his style of dressing, walking, and talking. I admired the chemistry he shared with all the leading women in his films, specially in the songs. How can one not help but smile while watching achaji main hari, or dekho rootha na karo, or abhi na jao chodkar?
He lived 88 glorious years, so rather than mourning his death it’s wiser to celebrate his contribution to the industry. And what better way to do this than listen to some timeless classics? Here’s a link to a playlist I created of my favorite songs from his movies, in addition to the ones linked in this post. Enjoy!
In general its been a rather sad year for music IMHO. We lost at least three biggies that I can recollect from the top of my head, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Jagjit Singh and now Dev Anand. I am particularly sad cause I really wanted to hear the first two personalities perform live at least once in my life. people like them are not born often and i have lost my chance..
anyways on a brighter note, its beautiful playlist! you have a good taste in music (just like me ..hee hee).. so many of my favs, especially #2, #6, #14 and #20 !!
Yup, this year’s been awfully in terms of celebrity losses! Cheer up with the thought that they all lived long, wonderful lives and left behind a rich load of music for us and coming generations to enjoy and draw inspiration (hopeflly) from. And glad you liked the playlist!
Awwww…I know, I was so depressed too! We’ve got to sing all his songs again.
Jiya oooooooh….
Adjusting shruthi box
wow!! amazing playlist! all my favourites. Thanx!!!
Glad you liked it
i think i got a little sick of him towards the end. he just wouldn’t hang up his boots!
Hehehe
it’s a small world, you know
Sorry but I didn’t get you. Are you hinting at something?
yes, yes. you’ll know soon, as I know now and am grinning