Dev Anand, a towering figure in Hindi cinema, was celebrated for his charismatic performances and unique style. Born on September 26, 1923, he made an indelible mark on Bollywood over six decades, captivating audiences with films that blended romance, drama, and adventure. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and actors alike.
On his birth anniversary today, actress
Hema Malini shared a heartfelt tribute to Dev Anand, reminiscing about their time together on set.
In her post, she included nostalgic throwback pictures from their golden days in the film industry. The ‘Dream Girl’ actress expressed her deep admiration for the late actor, stating, “I have such lovely memories of Dev Saab who was in fact the hero of my 2nd big release with a top actor. I was raw, and in awe but he quickly put me at ease and behaved as if he was a good friend. This attitude continued till the end always exuding energy that would stimulate everyone. I would never feel low or sad when he was around. His calling me ‘Hema!’ still reverberates in my ears. I truly loved him for the extraordinary person that he was and miss his warm presence even today❤️ Happy birthday Dev Saab!”.
Dev Anand and Hema Malini's collaboration spanned multiple films, including classics like Johny Mera Naam (1970) and Tere Mere Sapne (1971). Their chemistry on screen was palpable, contributing to the success of several box office hits during the 1970s and beyond. Hema fondly recalled how she always accepted roles alongside Dev Anand without hesitation due to her respect for him. “Dev sahab ke liye specially I’ll always be there. Unhone mujhe jo bhi picture karne ke liye kaha, I’ve done it,” she stated at the Jaipur Dev Festival last year celebrating his centenary.
Their first major collaboration was Johny Mera Naam, which not only marked a significant moment in Hema's career but also showcased Dev Anand's ability to connect with audiences through compelling storytelling and memorable performances. The film became a milestone in both their careers, establishing them as one of Bollywood’s most beloved pairs.
Hema Malini's respect towards Dev Anand not only highlights their professional relationship but also the personal bond they shared.