Padma Bhushan Mr. Dev Anandji created an indelible impression with his charismatic personality, says H.E. Mr. Ramesh Bais

H.E. Mr Ramesh Bais, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra released a Coffee Table Book 'Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin' at WTC Mumbai to commemorate the 100th Birth Anniversary of legendary actor Padma Bhushan Mr. Dev Anand. This book has been compiled by All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai.

Releasing this book, Hon’ble Governor mentioned, “It is my honour to release this book as I have been an ardent fan of Veteran actor Padma Bhushan Mr. Dev Anandji since my youth days. Anandji was a legend in the Indian film world. He created an indelible impression in the minds of the public with his charismatic personality and acting skills. Even after decades of his films, songs from his films are still on people's tongues. He was one of the producers of the golden age of Indian cinema.”

H.E. Mr Bais remarked, “I thank the organisers AIAI and WTC Mumbai for taking me down the memory lane. There was a time when my friends and I saw every single film and mostly on the very first day of the release. I have even bought tickets on the black as a teenager so that I don’t miss his movies on the first day. The humming movie song of those days had soul, which is missing in the contemporary movie songs.”

“Once upon a time, we used to stand in queues and occasionally buy tickets in the 'black' to watch the first show of the films on the first day, lamenting that due to the royal etiquette of the post of Governor, one could not easily go to the theatre to watch a movie or eat Mumbai's famous pav bhaji,” H.E Mr Bais mentioned.

Hon’ble Governor further added, “When Dev Anandji entered the film industry, Indian cinema was at a different height. That was a period when there were not only legendary actors and actresses, but also excellent lyricists and musicians, and the success of those songs is due to the fact that even today children sing old songs in television reality shows.”

“When Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was traveling to Lahore by bus, he asked Pakistan Prime Minister Mr. Nawaz Sharif: “What to bring from India”. To this, Mr. Sharif replied: “Actor Dev Anandji should be brought from India,” and to honour his request, Mr. Vajpayee went to Lahore with Mr. Dev Anandji,” the Governor recalled at this time.

The Hon’ble Governor further added, “Mr. Dev Anandji’s films not only entertained the audience but also instilled confidence and aspirations in the people and promoted national unity.”

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Dr Vijay Kalantri, President- All India Association of Industries and Chairman, MVIRDC WTC Mumbai mentioned, “Late Mr Dev Anandji is not only a legendary Bollywood star but also my cherished friend. He was a true Karma yogi, who remained active in the film industry till the last day of his life despite old age and health issues. He will always be remembered for his most endearing and gentle demeanor that is admired not only by his fans but also by his fellow actors, friends and family members.

Dr Kalantri added, “I treasure pleasant memories of my unforgettable association with him as my much "cherished and beloved friend". Mr. Anandji was a man of character, a humble and beloved soul with whom I had the privilege of intimate friendship. Despite attaining stardom and glory, Mr. Anandji was still humble, down-to-earth and grounded human being.”

Dr. Kalantri mentioned, “The veteran actor was my personal acquaintance and he was a great inspiration to many as whatever he used to do was with determination, focus and dedication and sincerity. He was a true karma yogi who believed in working and made it till last day of his life like others. He never offended anyone nor believed in it. he respected his friends with great humility.”

Dr. Kalantri further remarked, “Mr. Anandji touched the hearts of millions of fans through his versatility, trendsetting appearance and unique elegance. He continues to live in our memories and inspire us through his timeless principles of dedication, humility and perseverance.”

The coffee table book carries insightful write-ups by Ms Deepa Buty and features rare, exquisite photographs meticulously collected from old time studio Kamat Photo Flash and Mr Mohan Churiwalla, a close associate of the late actor.

The event was also addressed by veteran writer and Dadasaheb Phalke academy award winner Mr Chaitanya Padukone. Mr. Anup Jalota sang the famous number ‘Abhi na Jao Chhodkar…’.

On this occasion, a short film featuring some evergreen songs of Padma Bhushan Mr Dev Anand and actor Ashok Kumar and the speech of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi about the veteran actor was shown.

The release ceremony was attended by Ms Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, Mr. Mahendra Sanghi, Honorary Consul General of Kazakhstan in Mumbai, Mr Ajoykaant Ruia, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, Mr. Anand Thirani, Chairman of Kores India, veteran singer Mr. Anup Jalota and other dignitaries from business and entertainment industry.

sH.E. Mr Ramesh Bais, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra (3rd from left) releasing coffee table book 'Ke Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin' at the World Trade Center Mumbai. Also seen in the photograph are (from left to right): Ms Rupa Naik,Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai and President- All India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Mr. Mahendra Sanghi, Honorary Consul General of Kazakhstan in Mumbai