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Deven Verma: A man of love, life and laughs!

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Effortless comedy timing, flawless acting, unbeatable simplicity—such was the charm of veteran Bollywood actor Deven Verma, who left the Bollywood industry and his fans in tears as he bid adieu to the world on Tuesday morning. The actor died at the age of 77 at his Pune residence, due to heart attack and kidney failure.

Known for gifting classics like AngoorChori Mera KaamChor Ke Ghar Chor, the actor was honoured with the Filmfare award for Best Comedian thrice. Having had a great stint in Bollywood, the actor also proved his mettle in Marathi and Bhojpuri films. 

His dual role of Bahadur in Gulzar's 1982 film Angoor—an adaptation of Shakespeare's play—A Comedy of Errors, is considered as one of the most loved comic roles in Hindi cinema. Varma, who was married to Ashok Kumar's daughter Rupa Ganguly, turned producer with Yakeen in 1969 and also took to direction two years later with Nadaan. He produced and directed Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Besharam in 1978.

Here's a few glimpses from the movie:

Born on October 23, 1937, he grew up in Pune. After finishing his graduation in Politics and Sociology from Nowrosjee Wadia College for Arts and Science (University of Pune, 1953–57), Varma steered his focus from the graduation subjects and kicked off his acting career as a stage artist.  He eventually made his Bollywood debut with a supporting role in Yash Chopra's Dharmputra in 1961, which did not do well. For the role, he was paid Rs 600 a month, he told a media organisation.

Verma's real talent as a comedian was noticed in Gumrah (1963), in which he played Ashok Kumar’s servant. The film got him attention and he began receiving a lot of offers, but as reports suggest, Verma was in no hurry and did only about two films a year.

He shot to fame with his performance in 1975 film Chori Mera Kaam, which bagged him his first Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. Varma's cemented his place in the industry with roles in memorable films like Chor Ke Ghar Chor, Gol Maal, Khatta Meetha, Naastik, Rang Birangi, Dil, Judaai, Andaz Apna Apna and Dil Toh Pagal Hai.

The actor frequently appeared on small screen and silver screen and once remarked on how drastically the industry seemed to be changing. In an interview, he was quoted as saying, "When we watched a film, we discussed the remarkable performances of Raj Kapoor or Dilip Kumar. We would discuss acting. Today’s generation discusses dance and stunts -- this is what it has come down to."

Deven Verma in in Akele Hum Akele Tum:

Verma in Subodh Mukerji's directed film Ulta Seedha, starring Rati Agnihotri, Raj Babar and Utpal Dutt.

Known as a man of principles, he had consistently refused to act in roles that demanded poking fun on handicapped and physically compromised people, earning respect in the film industry for his stand. He retired from films after working in Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai and Calcutta Mail.

Wearing the many hats of a stage artist, film actor and director, Verma left behind a distinct and memorable body of work. He was as an actor whose absence will be deeply felt by the industry and his fans. RIP Deven Verma.

With agency inputs.

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