Waheeda unveils Dev Anand statue in Mumbai

IANS/Mumbai

Yesteryear actress Waheeda Rehman was in tears as she unveiled a life-like brass statue of screen legend Dev Anand here.

“He is not here with us today and I am unveiling his statue. His name will always be remembered in the film industry forever. He will be alive in the people’s heart,” a tearful Rehman said during the launch yesterday, Dev Anand’s first death anniversary.

The statue was unveiled at the Bandra Bandstand Promenade as part of UTV Stars’ property Walk of the Stars.

Remembered as Bollywood’s evergreen hero, Dev Anand died of cardiac arrest last year in London. He was 88.

Rehman, who made her debut opposite Dev Anand in the 1956 film CID and featured with him in six more movies, says the actor was modern yet simple at heart.

“One thing I noticed about Dev saheb was that he was modern yet simple at heart. He never had stylish cars, never had a huge birthday bash and no showoffs,” she said.

“When I did my first film with him, he was a star but he never made me realise I was a newcomer because he was so co-operative and friendly,” added the 76-year-old.

Dev Anand’s son Suneil Anand was also present on the occasion, and said: “I am touched that my legendary father Dev Anand is being honoured. Thanks a lot.”

Dev Anand started his career in the black-and-white era with the 1946 film Hum Ek Hain, and spent 65 years as an actor and filmmaker in Bollywood. He left an indelible mark in the minds of movie buffs with classics like Baazi, Paying Guest, Guide, Jewel Thief and Hare Rama Hare Krishna.