Dev's Croatian invite

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day

The 80-plus Dev Anand has never lived life in half measures. He has just completed penning his autobiography spanning over 62 years of his life.

These days he's busy overseeing the upgradation of his studio, Anand Dubbing, and planning his next film, a thriller. A brief chat with the sprightly, evergreen Dev Anand.

Tell us about your next film.
I am working on the script right now, and I should start begin shooting shortly after the monsoons. I had originally planned a love story set in Nepal, but I had to change my plans because of the political unrest in Nepal. Now, the film I am making, is a suspense thriller, based in contemporary settings and will star me, besides other people.

What about your autobiography?
I have completed my autobiography. I took out two-and-a -half months to finish writing it. It deals with my complete life, including pre-independence to my films and acting career. It will span 62 years of my life. Which other actor in the world has seen so many years? It spans my own growth and shows Dev Anand the man, actor, director, citizen of India, filmmaker, struggler...

How explicit will it be?
It is not my intention to hurt anybody's feelings but my book deals with film personalities, people I have come across and shared experiences and relationships with. If I am mature enough to say something to the world, I am not scared of saying it in my book.

There are people I have met in my 62 years who have stayed in my mind. For me, each of the 365 days in a year are interesting and exciting. I had so much to write, that it would have filled six books but I chose to put it all in one. I have never toed anybody's line. My life is one of the greatest lives ever - who else has made such great pictures?

There's a buzz that you've sold your studio?
No. I haven't sold any property of mine. In fact, I am in the process of upgrading my studio Anand Dubbing and Recording. It will be the best in the whole country. The latest machines are being brought from the USA and UK. One has to learn to grow with the times and install the correct technical values.

You've been invited by Croatian government to shoot your next film?
Yes, I am leaving in three days and will be away for more than a week. I am going to have a look at their country for filming purposes and then travelling to Germany.