Waheeda breaks into tears unveiling Dev Anand's statue

Mumbai, Dec 4 (IANS) Yesteryear actress Waheeda Rehman was in tears as she unveiled a life-like brass statue of screen legend Dev Anand here, and said the actor-filmmaker still remains alive in many hearts.

"He is not here with us today and I am unveiling his statue. His name will always be remembered in the film industry forever. He will be alive in the people's heart," a tearful Waheeda said here during the launch Monday, Dev Anand's first death anniversary.

The statue was unveiled at the Bandra Bandstand Promenade here as part of UTV Stars' property Walk of the Stars.

Remembered as Bollywood's evergreen hero, Dev Anand died of cardiac arrest last year in London. He was 88.

Waheeda, who made her debut opposite Dev Anand in the 1956 film "C.I.D." and featured with him in a total of seven movies, says the actor was modern yet simple at heart.

"One thing I noticed about Dev saheb was that he was modern yet simple at heart. He never had stylish cars, never had a huge birthday bash and no show offs," she said.

"When I did my first film with him, he was a star but he never made me realise (I was a newcomer) because he was so cooperative and friendly," added the 76-year-old.

Dev Anand's son Suneil Anand was also present on the occasion, and said: "I am touched that my legendary farther Dev Anand is being honoured. Thanks a lot."

Dev Anand started his career in the black-and-white era with 1946 film "Hum Ek Hain", and spent 65 years as an actor and filmmaker in Bollywood. He left an indelible mark in the minds of movie buffs with classics like "Baazi", "Paying Guest", "Guide", "Jewel Thief" and "Hare Rama Hare Krishna".