The `evergreen hero`, Dev Anand was born as Devdutt Pishorimal Anand and he is one of the most popular stars the Hindi Film Industry has seen. In his younger days, he was considered the epitome of the suave, urban gentleman. Anand`s good looks and fun-filled and yet meaningful films ensured him a very special niche in the public mind. His elder brother Chetan Anand is credited to bringing him and younger brother Vijay Anand into the film world.

Dev Anand was born in Gurdaspur in Punjab to a well-to-do advocate, Devdutt Pishorimal Anand. He graduated in English literature from the Government College, Lahore (now in Pakistan). His love for acting made him leave his hometown. Dev began his career in the military censor office at Churchgate, Mumbai, for a princely salary of Rs 160. He was soon offered a break as an actor by Prabhat Talkies to star in their Hum Ek Hain (1946). While shooting for the film in Pune, Dev struck a friendship with fellow actor Guru Dutt. And in 1949, he launched Navketan along with elder brother Chetan Anand. Vijay Anand, a master director and younger brother, teamed up with them in 1953. Some of the major films he made.

1950 - Afsar: A journalist is mistaken for a government official and gets a close, first-hand look at politics in a village. The film starred Suraiya and Dev Anand.

1951 - Baazi: The film was the first directorial venture of Guru Dutt and revealed his talent in no small measure.

Jaal: The redemption of a crook by the love of a good woman - the film has the haunting number `Yeh raat yeh chandni phir kahan` and Guru Dutt`s able direction.

Taxi Driver: One of the popular Navketan films, it starred Anand and Kalpana Kartik who was to later become his wife.

1955 - Munimji: A tale of two brothers, one good and the other evil, the film included the hit of the year "Jeevan ke safar mein raahi` (popular till date).

1956 - CID: The first Hindi film of Waheeda Rehman, one of India`s greatest stars. Her performance and beauty enhanced this crime thriller that was the directorial debut of Raj Khosla, a highly competent director.

Paying Guest: One of Navketan`s best films, starring Nutan in one of her finest performances. The hit songs `Mana janaab ne pukaara nahin` and `O nigahen mastaana` remain hummable even today.

1958 - Kala Pani: Memorable acting by all the stars - Dev Anand, Madhubala (among India`s finest actresses) and Nalini Jaywant. The film centres on corruption and an innocent man`s plight.

Kaala Bazaar: Fantasy and reality coexist in this film directed by Vijay Anand. The use of the top-angle camera for the song `Sooraj ke jaisi golayi, chanda se thandak bhi payi` was interesting and recalls Dev Anand`s statement that movies be `brought as close as possible to the reading of a newspaper.`

1965 - Guide: A major film on the release of a woman from a tyrannical marriage, her fulfillment as a dancer, and the man who helps her realize her dreams. Dev Anand transforms from guide to manager to holy man, and the process of love and desire culminates in him dying after achieving a `miracle`. Waheeda Rehman`s powerful acting and the music added to the film`s stature, even though many social critics attacked the film on different counts. Guide included the highly emotive numbers `Kaanton se kheench ke yeh aanchal` and `Gaata rahe mera dil` set to music by Sachin Dev Burman.

1967 - Jewel Thief: A cult film of sorts, it had the bars, and snow-lifts and catchy numbers that marked the period. Songs like `Yeh dil na hota bechara` and `Hoton pe aisi baat`.

Prem Pujari: This was the first film officially directed by Dev Anand. The story is of an armyman determined to destroy a spy ring and save his country.

1971 - Hare Rama Hare Krishna: The film centres on drug addicts and their way of life as opposed to Indian values. Zeenat Aman`s first starrer, the film had the smash hit `Dum maro dum`.

1978 - Des Pardes: On the problems of illegal immigrants, the film introduced Tina Munim as a village innocent being sent abroad to marry a man she doesn`t know.