Veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha led the film fraternity in paying heartfelt tributes to the legendary actor and filmmaker Dev Anand on his 14th death anniversary. Sinha took to social media platform X to share nostalgic memories and rare throwback pictures, celebrating the enduring legacy of the evergreen star.
Remembering an Evergreen Icon with Love and Gratitude
Shatrughan Sinha posted two classic stills from films he shared with Dev Anand – 'Prem Pujari' and 'Gambler'. Alongside the images, he penned an emotional note filled with admiration. "Remembering Dev Saheb with love, fondness & an attitude of gratitude. #DevAnand is one of the most stylish & evergreen heroes till date," Sinha wrote in his post.
He emphasized that Dev Anand's unique style remains unmatched in the film industry. Beyond the glamour, Sinha also cherished the wisdom imparted by the senior actor. "Your motivation & advice is very close to my heart even today. Long Live Dev Saheb! #DeathAnniversary," he added, highlighting the lasting personal impact of their association.
A Look Back at Their Cinematic Collaborations
The two films mentioned by Sinha hold a special place in Bollywood history. 'Prem Pujari' (1970), directed and produced by Dev Anand himself, featured a stellar cast including Waheeda Rehman, Prem Chopra, Madan Puri, and Amrish Puri. The film's narrative revolved around Ramdev Bakshi, a peace-loving army officer who faces a court-martial after defying orders, leading to his mysterious disappearance.
Their second collaboration, 'Gambler' (1971), was directed by Amarjeet. The film starred Dev Anand, Zaheeda, and Shatrughan Sinha in pivotal roles, further cementing their professional bond. Dev Anand, a true icon of Indian cinema, passed away in London on December 3, 2011, at the age of 88 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Jackie Shroff Joins in Homage with Musical Tribute
Adding to the chorus of tributes, actor Jackie Shroff also remembered the legendary figure. Shroff shared scenes from the 1982 drama "Swami Dada", which was directed by Dev Anand and marked Shroff's own debut in the film industry. The movie featured an ensemble cast including Mithun Chakraborty, Naseeruddin Shah, Christine O'Neil, Padmini Kohlapure, and Dev Anand himself.
Shroff captioned his post, "#DevAnand #43yearsofswamidada." In a separate, touching tribute, he posted a series of photographs of Dev Anand and included the classic song "Hai Apna Dil To Aawara" from the 1958 film "Solva Saal". His caption read simply, "Always in our hearts! #Dev Anand," echoing the sentiment of a generation that continues to adore the charismatic star.
The collective remembrance from contemporaries like Shatrughan Sinha and Jackie Shroff underscores Dev Anand's timeless appeal and his significant contribution to Indian cinema. His philosophy, style, and cinematic genius continue to inspire actors and fans alike, more than a decade after his passing.
