Dev Anands 103rd Birth Anniversary Today, Evergreen Bollywood Icon Remembered

The Indian film industry is remembering legendary actor, filmmaker and producer Dev Anand on his 103rd birth anniversary today, September 26. Born on September 26, 1923, Dev Anand went on to become one of the most recognisable and enduring stars of Hindi cinema.

Born as Devdutt Pishorimal Anand in Punjab, Dev Anand moved to Bombay to pursue a career in films. He began his acting journey in the 1940s and rose to prominence with films such as Ziddi, Baazi, Taxi Driver and CID. His distinctive screen presence, romantic style and energetic performances established him as one of the leading stars of the post-Independence era.

His association with some of the most influential filmmakers and musicians of the period produced a remarkable body of work. Among his best-known films are Kala Pani, Hum Dono, Tere Ghar Ke Samne, Guide, Jewel Thief, Johnny Mera Naam and Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Many of his films were also remembered for their popular music and memorable songs.

“Guide,” released in 1965, remains one of the defining films of Dev Anand’s career. His collaboration with filmmaker Vijay Anand and other prominent creative figures helped produce several films that later became regarded as classics of Hindi cinema.

Dev Anand was not limited to acting. Through his Navketan Films banner, he also produced and, on several occasions, directed films. His career extended across more than six decades, making him one of the longest-lasting leading figures in Indian cinema.

His contribution to Indian cinema was formally recognised with the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2002, India's highest honour for lifetime contribution to cinema. The Government of India described him as an “evergreen hero” while announcing the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Dev Anand’s centenary in 2023 also prompted a major revival of interest in his work. The National Film Archive of India organised screenings of seven of his classics, while C.I.D., Guide, Jewel Thief and Johnny Mera Naam were restored in 4K as part of the National Film Heritage Mission.

On his 100th birth anniversary in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Dev Anand as an “evergreen icon” and highlighted his storytelling and contribution to Indian cinema.

Dev Anand died in London on December 3, 2011, at the age of 88. More than a decade after his death, his films, songs and distinctive screen persona continue to remain part of the cultural memory of generations of Indian cinema audiences.

His 103rd birth anniversary today provides another occasion for film lovers to revisit the work of an actor whose career became closely associated with romance, style, music and the changing face of Hindi cinema.