The Hindu : New Delhi News : 84, and still romancing with life

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Sep 27, 2007
ePaper

New Delhi

New Delhi

84, and still romancing with life

Kunal Diwan

Photo: V.V. Krishnan

Birthday boy: Actor Dev Anand at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on Wednesday.

NEW DELHI: The creases on his face were a tad too marked, the eye-bags a trifle too saggy and the hair most certainly thinning, yet the unmistakable charm that bewitched generations of cinemagoers was undeniably intact.

“I am one among you since I am a member of the Press Club of India. Whenever you call, I shall be here at your disposal,” said the iconic actor in his trademark drawl during a brief visit to the Press Club here on Wednesday evening.

In the Capital for the dual purpose of releasing his autobiography, “Romancing With Life”, and celebrating his 84th birthday, it was only his inimitable panache that helped him carry off the flashy dark green suede jacket that he was wearing.

Earlier, hordes of photographers camping outside the Press Club had indicated that someone important was about to pay a visit.

Greying men and women sat expectantly with their eyes fixated to the entrance for their favourite actor to arrive. When he did, a sea of camerapersons surrounded him.

“Please let me interact with my friends,” said the birthday boy once the obstructing crowd had parted. “I would like to take a walk on this lawn among my friends.”

Immeasurable sway

The immeasurable sway that Dev Anand held over the masses for well over half a century was all too apparent with the Press Club lawns bursting at the seams with people desperate to catch a glimpse of the man who made collar-buttoned shirts a rage and who was said to be the “Indian version of Gregory Peck”.

To mark the occasion, Dev Anand also cut a birthday cake specially ordered by the members of the Press Club.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail