Dev Anand's death is a personal loss to me: Hema Malini

Dev Anand's death is a personal loss to me. I lost a dear friend and the film industry one of its most talented personalities.
He was a living legend but I am still to meet someone more humble than him. Forever open to new ideas, Dev Anand was a man who was always willing to experiment. Dev Saab was perhaps the most affectionate human being around. If someone approached him for something — professional or personal — he/she would never return empty-handed.

He would go out of his way to help people. I do not know what is wrong these days. We lost so many stalwarts in such a short time. After returning from a foreign trip, I was planning to meet Jagjit Singh when I received the news of his death. We lost Bhupen Hazarika, Ustad Sultan Khan, Shammi Saab — the list seems to be growing by the day. This year has been sad. I cannot recollect when we lost so many great people in such a short span. I feel so sad… so sad.

Talking about Dev Saab, we did such good films together. And the music, the songs… they had such lilting melody — I feel so proud, even today, when I think of them. I have so many fond memories of him. I cherish them even today.

Dev Anand the actor was probably one of the best talents, but so was Dev Anand the director. As a director, I revered him. I used to be so cautious because I wanted to be perfect. I wanted to give a shot exactly the way he wanted me to.

He was a good filmmaker who understood the intricacies of the craft. And the best thing about him was his willingness to learn. He always kept himself abreast of the latest developments in film-making.

I think he is irreplaceable in the film industry; his indomitable spirit, his never-give-up attitude — it is very difficult to match up. By the time he had finished with  a film, he would start conceptualising his next film. I have never seen anyone work so tirelessly. 

Dev Saab did so many things in his life: acting, writing books, producing and directing films. Even now, I am amazed to think of his marvellous energy. His energy levels could easily match up to that of a 20-year-old.

Every time I met him, he talked about his next film, about some film that he was planning. He took a break some months ago after his film, Chargesheet, was released. I am sure he took the break only to plan another film. But sadly this break will never get over. I salute Dev Saab. May his soul rest in peace.