Dev Anand-Bollywood Actor

Dharam Dev Pishorimal Anand or better known as Dev Anand was born on September 26, 1923. Dev Anand is a famous Indian Bollywood actor and film producer. In his early days, he was considered the epitome of the suave, urban gentleman.

Dev is the second of three brothers who were active in Bollywood industry. His elder brother Chetan Anand was a film director, as was his younger brother, Vijay Anand. Their sister, Sheel Kanta Kapur, the mother of renowned Hindi and English film director Shekhar Kapur.





Dev Anand's love for acting made him leave his hometown for the centre of the Hindi film industry, Mumbai. Dev began his career in the military censor office at Churchgate, Mumbai, for a salary of Rs. 160.

He was soon offered a break as an actor by Prabhat Talkies to star in their Hum Ek Hain (1946). Dev was offered his first big break by Ashok Kumar. Ashok Kumar spotted Dev hanging around in the studios and picked him as the hero for the Bombay Talkies production, Ziddi, costarring Kamini Kaushal (1948) which became a success.

Dev Anand's first film in colour, Guide with Waheeda Rehman was based on the novel of the same name by R. K. Narayan. It was an acclaimed movie which was directed by his younger brother Vijay Anand. He reunited with Vijay Anand for the Jewel Thief, featuring a bevy of beauties led by Vyjayanthimala and including Tanuja, Anju Mahendru, Faryal and Helen.

Most of Dev's films have dealt with socially relevant subjects, and he frequently emphasises this in interviews; he thinks that his films represent his personal points of view. In September 2007, Dev's autobiography "Romancing with Life" was released at a birthday party with the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Amir and his success

This actor had the privilege of being born in a noted film family. But we have seen that being born with a silver spoon in mouth isn’t enough to guarantee success in life.



There are many actors who had silver spoons at their disposal all through their lives. Bobby Deol, Kumar Gaurav, Mohnish Bahl, and Abhishekh Bachchan in recent times, had opportunities laid out in platters for them, yet the going never really was strong for these starsons.

Aamir too did not have to strive for an opportunity to be a hero in films, at the same time he was humble enough to boost his prospects with talent and a lot of hard work. He started his career in films with a runaway success called Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, a film directed by his cousin, Mansoor Khan.

Aamir has come a long way since QSQT. Even after spending nearly 15 years in the film industry the desi version of Tom Hanks manages to retain freshness in his performances.

There were hits like Dil, Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahin, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, Rangeela, Raja Hindustaani, Ghulam, Sarfarosh and there were the offbeat, critically acclaimed ones like Raakh, Earth-1947.

A seasoned artiste now, Aamir is slowly turning to production. His first film as a producer is a period film titled Lagaan. The film was done at a huge level and Aamir is said to have spent quite a handful in making the film.