Dubai: Legendary Indian actor Dev Anand, often referred to as the "evergreen romantic superstar", died on Saturday night following a cardiac arrest in a London hospital.
Anand, who was 88, had been unwell for a while.
"His son Sunil came out of the bathroom and saw that Dev saab was not responding. He called the doctor, who said that he had a heart attack. He died at 10 in the night in London," Mohan Churiwala, Dev Anand's manager, told IANS.
Often compared to the US actor Gregory Peck because of his matinee idol looks, "Debonair Dev" was best known for his boundless energy and passion for film. He starred in more than 100 movies.
Known for his versatility, Anand has given countless hits in film like Paying Guest, Baazi, Jewel Thief, CID, Johny Mera Naam, Amir Garib, Warrant, Hare Rama Hare Krishna and Des Pardes.
However, he was most well known for his 1966 film Guide, which was India's entry to the Oscars that year.
He has also been conferred the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, India's highest cinema award and the Padma Bhushan, its highest civilian award.
Twitter tributes
Members of the film fraternity took to Twitter to express their grief:
Amitabh Bachchan: "An era has come to an end .. Dev Anand leaves a void never perhaps to be filled again .. his never give up belief, his joy of life ! Had just met Dev Saheb at his premiere recently .. he was weak but full of spirit ..the newspapers confirming his passing away..He was such a positive person .. never associated death with him."
Anupam Kher: "Just heard the sad news about Dev Saab. Somehow believed he will ALWAYS be there with us. My first hero...An Institution of optimism. RIP...Dev Saab was Kind, Passionate, Courageous, Forthright, Charming, Encouraging, Contemporary, Always a leader and a Great Human. Will Miss him...So as a Tribute to Dev Saab let's only humm his Songs today. Songs which became such an integral part of our lives. 'Ahbi na jao chodkar..."
Shreya Ghoshal: "Dev Anand Sa'ab is no more.. Rest in peace...Do you like 2011? We lost so many legends this year... Its true. This year we lost many greats... What legacy of great films n music! He indeed was a man of excellence and passion for cinema."
Sangeeth Sivan: "RIP Dev Anand - what a life!!"
Dia Mirza: "Rest In Peace Dev Saab... Your chivalry, charm, optimism and your great body of work will never be forgotten."
Mahesh Bhatt: "Dev Anand is dead. As the new dawn breaks over Mumbai, I salute the memory of this star who has left us with the glow of his smile."
Shabana Azmi: "Dev Saheb robustly lived life on his own terms...he will be missed by millions but will live on thru his movies... I salute his spirit."
Goldie Behl: "Rip dev anand ... spread love & a never give up attitude just went ahead and did whatever he wanted... My favorite actor!!!"
Dabboo Ratnani: "Saddened by the demise of Dev Saheb, Never had the privilege of working with him. His attitude has always been an inspiration..."
