Dev Anand, actor, director and Indian superstar, died last night from a heart attack at London's Washington Mayfair Hotel. He was 88 years old and had been in the film business for 65 years.
The star of hits like Guide, Jewel Thief and Paying Guest, Anand was the favourite pin-up of a generation, much admired for both his acting prowess and his dashing good looks. In the 1970s he launched what would become a successful directorial career with cult spy drama Prem Pujari. He also co-wrote several films and went on to become a successful producer, launching the production company Navketan International.
Anand romanced some of the most popular actresses of the era, including Zeenat Aman and Suraiya, before marrying his Taxi Driver co-star Kalpana Kartik. He is survived by Kartik and their two children.
