Dev inspires Govinda to dance like never before The daring, the dedicated, the dynamic, the never-say-no Dev, faces the most colossal and challenging ambition of his fifty-four year-old career in Censor, a film to wake up the nation to a major problem which is gradually growing into a cancer which can kill in a “different” and “very dangerous” way.

It appalls me, astounds me, even amuses me (yes, amuses me) at how this industry which is supposed to be so full of feelings, has overlooked one of the most colourful landmarks in its history — the golden jubilee of a legend whose name has played a prominent role in the history of the industry. Dev Anand, the actor who started a style of his own. Dev Anand, the producer who changed the lives of directors like Vijay Anand and Guru Dutt and so many others. Dev Anand, the director who took the reins into his own hands and directed a series of films without stopping, without stopping striving, without stopping strumming the strings of life, making a string of films.

He has succeeded at times, failed at times but nothing but nothing has kept him from stopping. Dev Anand, the man who built Anand Recording Studios, one of the best in Asia. Dev Anand, who has been the personal friend of presidents, prime ministers and spiritual leaders all over the world. Dev Anand, the man who has been concerned with all the causes that are eating into the vitals of the country he loves. Dev Anand, who is a legend who gives a complex to other legends in so many fields. Dev Anand, the man who has in fifty-four years done what no other man has done single-handedly, with a set of rules framed by him, followed by him, followed by others who have been his ardent followers for five long decades. The least the legend who has received a series of life-time achievement and other awards deserved was the Dadasaheb Phalke Award from the government and an all-in the open felicitation from the industry, the industry to which he has dedicated his entire life.

All these honours and achievements, however don’t disturb Dev in the least. He is happy the way he is, happy making his films the way he wants them to, working eighteen hours a day at seventy-six. He is now busy making Censor, a film written and directed by him, a film which takes a very close look at censorship as a raging fire in a free, frank and fearless country. And Dev this time is doing what no other filmmaker has dared to do. He is making a film with twenty-eight major-active stars. It’s a film within a film “which is the only way I could talk about censors and censorship in our film”.

Twenty-five years ago a beautiful young woman said: “It is just not possible to say no to this man Dev.” What she said then proves right to this day. Not one of the stars could say no to play “full-fledged” roles in Censor. Almost all of them refused to accept any money from him but Dev was Dev. He paid every star whatever he believed he should and they deserved.

Towards the end came the turn of Govinda, the busiest of them all. He called Govinda and Govinda was at his pent-house. He was willing to do a film for him anytime, Govinda said. Dev said he just wanted him to do a dance like only Govinda could for the film within the film he was making. Govinda didn’t ask questions. He didn’t think twice. He didn’t feel the need to. He just said “yes, anything for you, Dev Sahab.”

Together they made a few adjustments in dates. Govinda reported in time, contrary to the reports Dev had received and danced till he could dance his best dance in a decade. He danced for two long days without a break and without any interference. Jatin-Lalit and their music added to his inspired state. “He was dedication, personified. He never gave me any reason to cringe or compromise. He only did what I wanted him to do. He only added to the energy and enthusiasm in me. He was full of affection. He was someone you would love to work with again and again. The dance plays a crucial part in my script. That’s why I needed a star like Govinda, a good dancer who is also a natural actor”.

Their affection grew in just two days and Govinda solemnly promised to do a full-fledged feature film with “Dev Sahab” as soon as possible. Dev saw in Govinda only the beginning of a new Govinda who had a great future as a great actor, “made for greater things.” Dev has predicted great futures for actors like Sunil Dutt, Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman and Tina Munim. Every film Dev makes is an important film for him but this is undoubtedly the most ambitious and costliest film. He has already spent between rupees five and six crores (and I can once again hear people asking from where Dev gets all his money). Just one and a half scene more and Dev will complete one more chapter in the life of the most colourful living legends of our times and the rest Dev says is in the hands of Dev, the Dev above who has made him a legend.

All Dev needs is one hit. Then look at the wonders he works. Why can’t you, Dev above, give our Dev below who has made Your world so bright just one hit? If he doesn’t deserve it, no one does, dear Dev.

Ali Peter John