PM Modi pays homage to Dev Anand on 100th birth anniversary: 'Evergreen icon'

From the archives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Dev Anand at an event. (Image credit: @narendramodi/X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to legendary filmmaker Dev Anand on his 100th birth anniversary. Calling him an "evergreen icon," PM Modi credited Dev Anand for inspiring several generations with his timeless performance.

"Dev Anand Ji is remembered as an evergreen icon. His flair for storytelling and passion for cinema were unmatched," the Prime Minister shared on X along with photos of the actor and filmmaker. "His films not only entertained but also reflected the changing society and aspirations of India. His timeless performances continue to influence generations. Remembering him on his 100th birth anniversary."

Dev Anand Ji is remembered as an evergreen icon. His flair for storytelling and passion for cinema were unmatched. His films not only entertained but also reflected the changing society and aspirations of India. His timeless performances continue to influence generations.… pic.twitter.com/j1JdajHUec

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 26, 2023

Earlier, PM Modi had shared the role Dev Anand's films played during his formative years. He recalled an incident when he went with his friends and teachers to watch Dev Anand and Waheeda Rahman starrer Guide, which was based on a novel by RK Narayan, as per a report by India TV.

The Prime Minster revealed that the film sparked a debate among his friends and he realised that its basic theme was that in the end, everyone gets guidance from their conscience.

Dev Anand died in London of a heart attack at 88 in December 2011. He was known as the Adonis of Indian cinema for his good looks and the ease with which he played romantic roles. Over the course of his 65-year career, which began in 1946, Dev Anand had become one of the country's iconic actor-directors.

His films included Guide, Paying Guest, and Jewel Thief. He continued to direct almost until his death, releasing his last film, Chargesheet, in September 2011.

Read more: Dev Anand@100: Watching Dev Anand on the big screen in 2023