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5 Memorable Dev Anand Songs On His 100th Birthday
Updated on: 26 September, 2023 01:27 PM IST |Shreyas Pande
When it comes to defining a style that became a sensation among audiences, only one name comes to the forefront: Dev Anand. He was born as Dharamdev Pishorimal Anand on September 26, 1923, in Punjab. Coming to Bombay in the early 1940s, Dev Anand was influenced by the films of another star, Ashok Kumar. And then there was no going back.
Dev Anand brought a new-found charm to Hindi cinema with his characteristic nods and dialogue delivery, which enthralled audiences at large. What was especially engaging about his films were the songs, which he immortalized with his flamboyance. On his 100th birthday, here are five songs from his films that are reflective of his evergreen style:
1) Mai Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya: With calmly liberating lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi, this song from the 1961 film "Hum Dono" features Dev Anand just walking around the bushes and blowing off smoke from his cigarette. It is just a pleasure to see him sing the song without effort. His movements and smiles evoke an extra layer of reassurance to the comforting words.
2) Gaata Rahe Mera Dil: Dev Anand is standing atop a mountain wearing a saffron-colored sweater, giving a call to his lover. So begins the iconic song from the film "Guide (1965)". Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, the song is made for the charming appeal of Dev Anand. Love protrudes from his eyes when he looks at Waheeda Rehman. Along with the clouds, trees, and misty cliff, Dev Anand walks around, becoming an undeniable part of the wonder. Right after the film`s release, the song became a masterpiece that mesmerizes people even today and was a landmark for Anand`s career.
3) Hai Apna Dil To Awara: Talk about making even something as unromantic as a train compartment fill with love and warmth. Well, Dev Anand did it all. While sleeping on the seat, he starts singing this song of desire, trying to woo a girl sitting nearby. Then, moving around and exuding a playful simplicity with his expressions, Dev Anand charms along. It is difficult not to fall for his innocence.
4) Vahan Kaun Hai Tera Musafir: It was not just the happy songs where Dev Anand was on top of the game. When it came to expressing complex emotions like heartbreak and melancholy, he knew just which strings to pull. And in places like this song, which comes right at the beginning of "Guide", Anand knew how to become the explorative vagabond. Sitting below a tree, drenched in rain, or hanging from behind on a bus, he shows a vulnerability that is very much his own. It doesn`t invite you to feel pity, as he doesn`t lose his charm even when portraying difficult circumstances. The song remains a gem for its powerful lyrics and Anand, the Musafir going places.
5) Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqiqat: There is absolutely nothing more heartwarming than seeing Dev Anand play the piano in his trademark style. Having his hairs all flipped up and forced to drink whisky, he begins tapping onto the keys. What follows is an enchanting mix of Kishore Kumar`s voice, which is acted out beautifully by Anand, leaving everyone present transfixed. As he asks in the song `Khwab ho tum ya koi haqiqat`, we are left wondering the same in our hearts about him.
Dev Anand brought a new-found charm to Hindi cinema with his characteristic nods and dialogue delivery, which enthralled audiences at large. What was especially engaging about his films were the songs, which he immortalized with his flamboyance. On his 100th birthday, here are five songs from his films that are reflective of his evergreen style:
1) Mai Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya: With calmly liberating lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi, this song from the 1961 film "Hum Dono" features Dev Anand just walking around the bushes and blowing off smoke from his cigarette. It is just a pleasure to see him sing the song without effort. His movements and smiles evoke an extra layer of reassurance to the comforting words.
2) Gaata Rahe Mera Dil: Dev Anand is standing atop a mountain wearing a saffron-colored sweater, giving a call to his lover. So begins the iconic song from the film "Guide (1965)". Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, the song is made for the charming appeal of Dev Anand. Love protrudes from his eyes when he looks at Waheeda Rehman. Along with the clouds, trees, and misty cliff, Dev Anand walks around, becoming an undeniable part of the wonder. Right after the film`s release, the song became a masterpiece that mesmerizes people even today and was a landmark for Anand`s career.
3) Hai Apna Dil To Awara: Talk about making even something as unromantic as a train compartment fill with love and warmth. Well, Dev Anand did it all. While sleeping on the seat, he starts singing this song of desire, trying to woo a girl sitting nearby. Then, moving around and exuding a playful simplicity with his expressions, Dev Anand charms along. It is difficult not to fall for his innocence.
4) Vahan Kaun Hai Tera Musafir: It was not just the happy songs where Dev Anand was on top of the game. When it came to expressing complex emotions like heartbreak and melancholy, he knew just which strings to pull. And in places like this song, which comes right at the beginning of "Guide", Anand knew how to become the explorative vagabond. Sitting below a tree, drenched in rain, or hanging from behind on a bus, he shows a vulnerability that is very much his own. It doesn`t invite you to feel pity, as he doesn`t lose his charm even when portraying difficult circumstances. The song remains a gem for its powerful lyrics and Anand, the Musafir going places.
5) Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqiqat: There is absolutely nothing more heartwarming than seeing Dev Anand play the piano in his trademark style. Having his hairs all flipped up and forced to drink whisky, he begins tapping onto the keys. What follows is an enchanting mix of Kishore Kumar`s voice, which is acted out beautifully by Anand, leaving everyone present transfixed. As he asks in the song `Khwab ho tum ya koi haqiqat`, we are left wondering the same in our hearts about him.
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