Dev Anand's 100th birth anniversary: 5 iconic films of the charming star that celebrate heroism in an unconventional way

Today (26th September), marks the 100th birth anniversary of the multi-talented and one of the most influential personalities of the entertainment industry, Dev Anand. The man with a charming aura entertained us as an actor, writer, director and producer for over six decades.

Despite not being from the actor’s era, when I watched and re-watched his films in my childhood and growing years, I understood that as an actor or a creative genius, he was part of the movies, which didn’t only have unconventional themes and subjects but were also way ahead of their times.

On this special, here are some movies of one of the greatest actors of the Hindi film industry, which celebrated heroism in an unique way.

Guide

This romantic drama turned out to be a game-changer in Dev Anand‘s career and enjoys a cult status among the cinegoers. Directed by Dev’s brother Vijay Anand, the movie narrates the love story between a guide and the repressed wife of an archaeologist. Apart from its narrative and performances, the film gave us iconic songs like Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, Din Dhal Jaaye, Gaata Rahe Mera Dil, Kya Se Kya Ho Gaya, Piya Tose Naina Laage Re, Tere Mere Sapne and others

Jewel Thief

The spy thriller heist film was one of the first kinds of films to explore a different genre in Bollywood. Starring Ashok Kumar, Dev Anand and Vyjayantimala, it also had actresses like Tanuja, Helen, Faryal and Anju Mahendru, as their characters had Bond-girl traits. Even this film has memorable songs like Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara, Aasman Ke Neeche Hum Aaj Apne Peechhe, Dil Pukare Aa Re, Aa Re, Aa Re, Hothon Mein Aisi Baat Main Dabaake Chali Aayi and others.

Baazi

The film was directed by the legendary Guru Dutt. Partly inspired by the 1946 movie Gilda, it was the first crime noir made in India. Dev Anand came up with his unique style of rapid-fire with Baazi. The song Tadbeer Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer Bana Le still enjoys a cult following among cine lovers.

C.I.D

The Raj Khosla directorial marked the screen debut of Waheeda Rehman. Considered to be one of the best thrillers to have ever come out of Hindi cinema, the movie features Dev Anand as a police inspector investigating a murder case. The music album of the film comprised iconic tracks like Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan, Leke Pehla Pehla Pyaar, Jaata Kahaan Hai Dewaane, Kahin Pe Nigaahen Kahin Pe Nishaana and others.

Kala Pani

The remake of the 1955 Bengali film Sabar Uparey starring Uttam Kumar and Chabi Biswas, Kala Pani was directed by Raj Khosla. This film has inspired many Bollywood films from the 90s till date. The movie features the evergreen track Achha Ji Main Haari, Chalo Maan Jao Na.