Bollywood's Evergreen Dev Anand turns 85

Mumbai, Sep 26: Bollywood's 'Evergreen' star Dev Anand on Friday, Sep 26 celebrated his 85th birthday. “A birthday is just another day in 365 days. What is more important, for a man of my age, is that I"m still functioning creatively. That"s more significant than cutting a cake and opening a bottle of champagne," says Dev Anand to the mediapersons.

Dev said, "I have been in the show business for 61 years. I was actively involved in this business, in the business of making motion pictures, writing, directing, acting, behind the camera, creating and introducing people." While his last birthday was celebrated with the release of his autobiography Romancing With Life, this year Dev will be releasing the international version of his book in London.

Fondly known as Dev 'Saab', he started off his career when he was offered his first big break by the legendary Ashok Kumar, who he regards as his favourite star. Kumar spotted Dev hanging around studios and picked him as the hero for the Bombay Talkies production, Ziddi (1948), costarring Kamini Kaushal that went on to become a success. In 1949 Dev Anand lauched his own production company Navketan.

Through the years, Dev Anand has won popular recognition for his work. Among them are:

1958 - Winner Best Actor for Kala Pani
1966 - Winner Best Actor for Guide
1966 - Winner Best Film for Guide
1991 - Winner Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2001, Dev was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian award, followed by the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award for cinematic excellence in 2002. In 2000, he was awarded at the hands of Hillary Clinton for his 'Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema.' Similarly, he has been honoured by the Nepalese government, and events held globally.

Cannes paid tribute to Dev Anand in 2007 with a screening of a colored, restored version of the movie 'Guide'. After having published his autobiography last year, the die hard romantic is all set to direct another film this year. We wish 'Evergreen' Dev Saab a long life...

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