On what would have been his 100th birthday, we remember the legendary Indian cinema actor, Dev Anand, who left the world in 2011 at the age of 88. The charismatic actor’s life was marked not only by his cinematic brilliance but also by a poignant love story with actress Suraiya, which remained unfulfilled.
Dev Anand and Suraiya shared the screen in several films, including “Vidya” (1948), “Jeet” (1949), “Shair” (1949), “Afsar” (1950), “Nili” (1950), “Do Sitare” (1951), and “Sanam” (1951). Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, but fate had different plans for them.
Dev Anand candidly recounted their love story in his autobiography, “Romancing with Life.” He reflected on their relationship, saying, “It was destined that way. Had I gone to her, my life would have been different. Had I married her, life at her end would have taken me to a different course. Then maybe I would not have been the Dev Anand I am today.”
Their love story is said to have begun during the shoot of the song “Kinare Kinare Chale Jayen Ge” for the film “Vidya.” It was a moment that sealed their attraction when Dev Anand heroically saved Suraiya from drowning by jumping into a lake to rescue her.
However, their love was short-lived as Suraiya’s grandmother intervened, causing their plans for a secret marriage to falter.
Dev Anand accepted his destiny, acknowledging the impact of first love and the heartache of its unfulfillment. He revealed, “I fell in love for the first time. We all know what first love does to a human being. Then the agony of not getting it. Suddenly hope was aroused after being encouraged, but again disillusionment crept in when nothing happened.”
Ultimately, Dev Anand found love and companionship with Kalpana Kartik, whom he married in 1954. They had two children, son Suneil Anand and daughter Devina.
As we commemorate Dev Anand’s 100th birthday, we remember not only his remarkable contributions to Indian cinema but also the enduring love story that remains etched in the annals of Bollywood history.