The world of cinema has always been a breeding ground for passionate fandoms, and India is no exception. Long before the likes of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, Dev Anand, the first style icon of Hindi cinema, captivated audiences not only with his acting prowess but also with his undeniable charm. His story, however, is far from just a rags-to-rich fairytale.
The Myth of the Black Ban
A popular (and often exaggerated) tale surrounding Dev Anand is the supposed court order banning him from wearing black. The story claims that a female fan, overwhelmed by his charisma in a black outfit, tragically took her own life. While there’s no evidence to support a court order, there’s truth to Dev Anand’s immense popularity and the intense reactions he evoked. Reportedly, female fans would faint upon meeting him, and another incident involved a fan attempting self-harm when denied access to the set where he was filming.
Love and Loss
Dev Anand’s personal life was equally captivating, marked by a love story that remained unfulfilled. He was deeply involved with actress Suraiya, and together they were considered Bollywood’s “it couple” in the early 1950s. However, Suraiya’s family strongly opposed their relationship, particularly her maternal uncle who even threatened Dev Anand’s life if they didn’t separate. Sadly, Suraiya, unwilling to defy her family, ended the relationship, leaving Dev Anand heartbroken. He later married actress Kalpana Kartik in 1954, while Suraiya remained unmarried until her passing in 2004.
Dev Anand’s legacy extends far beyond these anecdotes. He is remembered as a pioneer of Indian cinema, not just for his acting but also for his contributions to style and fashion. His influence continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.
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