Bollywood remembers actor who celebrated life

Zeenews Bureau

Mumbai: “That which seemed immortal passes into myth”, tweeted the bereaved nephew of legendary actor Dev Anand, the renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. News of Dev Saab’s demise early Sunday is yet to sink in - not just among B-towners but people across political as well as social spheres. Shock and disbelief has gripped the Hindi film world as the news about death of Dev Anand spreads. Bollywood stars say an era has come to an end with the passing away of the "eveready battery". The man who made black dress on him create ripples among girls in his primetime is no more. Describing Dev Anand as a great artiste, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he was an embodiment of lifelong passion for acting and film-making. Actor Waheeda Rehman, who worked with him in the classic "Guide" and several other films, said, "She was sad to hear the news because he was her first hero and she did maximum films with him. We had to learn so much from him because he had so much energy in him.” Megastar Amitabh Bachchan wrote on Twitter, "An era has come to an end ...Dev Anand leaves a void never perhaps to be filled again... his never give up belief, his joy of life!”. Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar said, "He never looked back and never regretted anything. He was a great personality". Actress Madhuri Dixit said, "Sad to hear about Dev Anand`s demise. Another icon leaves the stage. My condolences to his family. We will miss him." "Shocked to read of the passing of Dev Saab. Such a great man and actor. A symbol of positivity. Never believed I would ever wake up to this news. Very sad!" tweeted actor Abhishek Bachchan. Actor Naseeruddin Shah said, "I still remember one of his songs `main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya...while listening to this song, I feel Dev saab is still with us. We always prayed for his well being. He was very close to me. It is like I lost life from my body." Political leaders in Maharashtra paid glowing tributes to Indian cinema`s legend with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan saying the country has lost an iconic film personality who gave joy to countless movie buffs. "He will forever be remembered as Hindi cinema`s evergreen hero," Chavan said in Mumbai. Union Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said Dev Anand`s love for life and cinema will live on through his films. Meanwhile according to Mohan Churiwala, Dev Anand's manager the cremation will be held next week in London. Talking to the media Churiwala said, "He will be cremated in London only after Tuesday. Cremation cannot take place till his daughter reaches there. His body is kept in a hospital right now."