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Chitchat With Devanand

Padma Bhushan Devanand became the first recepient of the ANR Award.
Replying to questions at a meet-the-press programme organised at Annapurna Studios on Sunday, January 15, the eternal evergreen hero of Bollywood Dev Anand said he cherished every moment of his life. ANR and his two sons, Venkat and Nagarjuna also participated in the meet-the-press programme.

How do you feel on being the first recipient of the ANR National Award?

My happiness has no bounds. It satisfied me as an artiste. I will remember it as my most memorable moment.

How do you feel on visiting the Annapurna Studios?

I am feeling jealous of ANR. I could not manage my studios as he did. The work done by ANR should be appreciated in this context.

What do you feel on looking back at your film career?

I feel pretty good. I came to Mumbai from Lahore with just about Rs. 30 in my pocket. I worked hard for two years to find a place in the industry. A look back at those years of toil makes me feel proud of what I have achieved. The audiences encouraged me at every step of my journey. I am very thankful to them for whatever I have achieved so far.

What's the difference between the current generation of actors and their senior counterparts?

There isn't much difference. Without talent you cannot survive for long. One could get offers if the film does well and may not if it doesn't. It remains the same even today.

That cap of yours is synonymous with you. Has it got a background?

There is an interesting episode behind that. I have written in detail about it in my yet-to-be published book. It feels nice to be noticed and written about.

Dev Anand speaks to the press after being conferred the first ANR National Award.
The black dress that you wore in 'Kalapani' attracted many young women of those days. Your comments.

Yes. I have received many letters from young women of those days saying that I looked great in that black outfit.

Your comments on Madhubala.

She was a gorgeous woman and a natural beauty. She didn't had to wear much make-up. She always wore a smile and made the people around her smile as well.

Tell us about your relationship with the legendary music directors SD Burman and RD Burman.

We shared a great relationship. SD Burman was a pillar of strength to Navketan films. His successor, RD Burman, too provided good music to films made under our banner.

On Gurudutt.

Gurudutt was a true friend indeed. I introduced him as a director with 'Baazi' in 1951. He was an assistant director before that. Later, I worked in his film CID (1956), on his request.

Do you miss your brothers?

I feel sad when I think about my brothers - Chetan Anand and Vijay Anand. The amount of grief at losing a loved one is far beyond words of expression.

What are your future projects?

I have already finalized the script for my next film 'Beauty Queen'. The film was to be produced before 'Mr. Prime Minister'. I am currently working on three other scripts.