Dev Anand leaves behind an extremely rich repertoire films: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today joined millions of Dev Anand's fans in condoling his demise, saying the Indian film industry had lost one of its most endearing heroes.

Hailing the veteran producer-actor as a great artiste who left behind an extremely rich repertoire, Singh conveyed his condolences to Dev Anand's son Suneil Anand.

Expressing deep sorrow over the passing away of Dev Anand, the Prime Minister described him as a great artiste who entertained generations for over five decades as the enduring romantic of Indian cinema.

"Dev Anand leaves behind an extremely rich repertoire of acclaimed films and his fans will forever remember the roles he essayed in film classics like Guide, Hum Dono and Prem Pujari... I join millions of his fans in mourning his death," Singh said in his condolence message.

He recalled that nation had honoured him with a Padma Bhushan and several other awards, "reflecting the impact and place he made for himself in the hearts of the film going public.

In the passing away of the legendary star, the Indian film industry has lost one of its most endearing heroes."

Singh sad Dev Anand was "an embodiment of long passion for acting and film-making."