Dev Anand Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Movies & Achievements
Introduction
Dev Anand, fondly called the “Evergreen Romantic Hero of Bollywood,” was one of the most charismatic and stylish actors in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over six decades, he acted in more than 100 films and earned a reputation for his youthful charm, unique dialogue delivery, and evergreen energy. Known for classics like Guide, Jewel Thief, Hare Rama Hare Krishna, CID, and Hum Dono, Dev Anand was also a director, producer, and writer who left an indelible mark on Indian film history.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand (popularly known as Dev Anand)
- Date of Birth: 26 September 1923
- Birthplace: Gurdaspur, Punjab, British India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Died: 3 December 2011, London, England (aged 88)
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 70 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Dev Anand was born into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Pishori Lal Anand, was a well-known advocate. He had three brothers – Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand, both acclaimed filmmakers, and Manmohan Anand. Growing up, Dev Anand was influenced by literature, theatre, and films.
Education Journey
- Completed his schooling in Gurdaspur and Lahore.
- Graduated in English Literature from Government College, Lahore.
- After completing his studies, he moved to Bombay (now Mumbai) to pursue a career in films.
Film Debut & Early Career
- Debut Film: Hum Ek Hain (1946).
- Gained recognition with Ziddi (1948), which was his first big hit and established him as a rising star.
- Soon developed his signature style – fast dialogue delivery, nodding mannerisms, and suave personality.
Rise to Stardom
Dev Anand rose to superstardom in the 1950s and 60s:
- CID (1956) – Crime thriller that established his stylish screen image.
- Paying Guest (1957) – Romantic hit with evergreen music.
- Kala Pani (1958) – Won Filmfare Best Actor Award.
- Guide (1965) – Considered his career’s best, won him immense critical and commercial acclaim.
- Jewel Thief (1967) – Iconic thriller that remains a cult favorite.
- Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) – Addressed youth culture and drug abuse, introducing Zeenat Aman.
Bollywood Journey & Iconic Films
- Ziddi (1948)
- CID (1956)
- Kala Pani (1958)
- Guide (1965)
- Jewel Thief (1967)
- Prem Pujari (1970, as director)
- Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)
- Des Pardes (1978)
- Hum Dono (1961)
- Johnny Mera Naam (1970)
Awards & Achievements
- Filmfare Awards: Best Actor for Kala Pani (1958).
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1991).
- Padma Bhushan (2001): India’s third-highest civilian award.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2002): India’s highest award in cinema.
- Honored internationally for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Personal Life
Dev Anand was known for his charisma both on and off screen.
- Marriage & Family: He married actress Kalpana Kartik (Mona Singha) in 1954, during the shooting of Taxi Driver. The marriage was a private affair, and Kalpana later left films to focus on family. They had two children – Suneil Anand (actor-director) and Devina Anand.
- Relationship with Suraiya: In the late 1940s, Dev Anand shared a famous romance with actress Suraiya. The two fell in love during their film collaborations (Vidya, Jeet, Shair, Afsar). However, due to religious and family opposition, Suraiya never married, and their love story remains one of Bollywood’s most talked-about episodes.
- Friendships: Dev Anand had lifelong friendships with industry colleagues like Guru Dutt and Kishore Kumar. He considered Guru Dutt his closest friend, and their collaboration produced classics like Baazi and CID.
- Lifestyle: Unlike many stars of his time, Dev Anand maintained a youthful, modern outlook. Known for his stylish attire, rapid dialogue delivery, and unique mannerisms, he became a trendsetter for generations.
- Personality: Off-screen, Dev Anand was known for his optimism and energy. He once famously said he would never retire and continued making films even in his 80s. His autobiography Romancing with Life (2007) reflected his zest for life and passion for cinema.
Death
Dev Anand passed away on 3 December 2011 in London due to cardiac arrest. His death marked the end of an era, but his films and evergreen energy continue to live on in the hearts of millions.
Legacy & Influence
Dev Anand remains a symbol of style, romance, and youthful spirit. He never believed in retirement and continued working on films till his last days. His unique style influenced generations of actors, while his bold choices as a filmmaker paved the way for progressive cinema. Dev Anand will forever be remembered as Bollywood’s Evergreen Hero.
FAQs
Q1: What was Dev Anand’s real name?
A: Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand.
Q2: Which was his most famous film?
A: Guide (1965).
Q3: Who was Dev Anand married to?
A: Actress Kalpana Kartik.
Q4: How many films did Dev Anand act in?
A: Over 100 films across six decades.
Q5: Which awards did Dev Anand receive?
A: Padma Bhushan (2001), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2002), Filmfare Awards.
