Dev Anand to get lifetime achievement award

Bangalore (PTI): Bollywood's evergreen hero Dev Anand, whose popular number 'Gaata Rahe Mera Dil' continue to woo film lovers even four decades after the release of box office hit 'Guide', would be conferred with a 'lifetime achievement award' for his contributions to the Indian cinema.

The 83-year-old veteran would be felicitated here on January 19 in a function organised by the Ramya Cultural Academy in association with the Vinmusic Club.

The award function will showcase his contributions to the Indian cinema in a career spanning six decades with select songs and clippings from some his best films including 'Guide', produced in 1960s, organisers said.

Several film stars, including from Bollywood and Kannada film industry are expected to witness the felicitation being organised for the actor for the first time in Karnataka.

Born on September 26, 1923, Dharam Pishorimal Anand, as he was known earlier, graduated in English literature from Government college Lahore, now in Pakistan.

His love for films brought him to Mumbai, where he began his career in military censor office on a Rs 160 monthly salary. He made debut as an actor in "Hum Ek Hain' in 1946, followed by "Ziddi" in 1948, which became a big hit.

The actor's rapid fire style of dialogue delivery, use of hats and penchant for nodding his head while speaking became his signature style in films like 'Munimji', 'CID' and 'Paying Guest' and imitated widely by his fans.

Next year, he graduated from the role of an actor to that of a producer launching his own production company "Navketan".

Dev Anand has been conferred with Padma Bhushan in 2001 for his contribution to Indian cinema.