This October marks the international book launch of senior veteran actor, Dev Anand.  The hardback, titled Romancing With Life: An Autobiography, was an immediate sell-out after its initial release in India last year, and is now set to charm the international audience too.

Revealing bittersweet reminisces of his youth and struggle in 1940’s Bombay, his friendship with Guru Dutt, Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor, his ill-fated romance with Suraiya, marriage to co-star Kalpana Kartik, and his relationships with his heroines, from Madhubala and Meena Kumari, all the way to Zeenat Aman, Romancing With Life is the classic and timeless Dev Anand offering just a diminutive aspect of his 85 years of courting the world.

Handsome and debonair, a man of philosophical words and an intricate mind; InsideDesi were fortunate to catch the evergreen hero for coffee, and to sneak an insight into his extraordinary existence.

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How does it feel to still be celebrated today, all these years down the line?
Well, I’m used to it. I’m used to it, and I like it. Why not? If you were well-known, wouldn’t you like it? It’s a very natural phenomenon.

Are there any projects coming up ahead?
I’ve started a picture named ‘Charge Sheet’. It’s a suspense/murder story, involving police corruption. I’ve finished 3-4 reels, and I’m recording a song with Asha Bhosle soon. Then I’m going to Panchghani for the rest of the shooting.

When is it releasing?
I think I’ll come back to London for the release of the film.  Perhaps in May next year.

You’re into direction now; will you ever come back to the main screen?
I’m directing, I’m writing, and I’m also acting in this new film.

You’ve received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award - how does that feel?
I got it 3 years ago - I’ve had many awards. That’s ok; the awards come. What’s important is that I’m still working in films - isn’t that beautiful? Not many actors have that.

Years ago, you gave a 16-year-old Tina Munim her first break into the film industry. Today, you still take on a lot of newcomers.
Why not? Who else is meant to help them? It’s people like Dev Anand that give them a chance.

How did you come into acting?
I came from Lahore to pursue acting. I was nineteen… you weren’t even born then. In fact, your father wasn’t even born then..! I got my break in 1945 and my first film was released in 1947.

What made you write your biography?
Is there anybody you can think of in the world who has been actively involved in the forefront of show business for more than 62 years? A lot of publishers were after me, as were a lot of fans. Finally, I thought it was time.

How long did it take?
I’m very focused and motivated. I didn’t take long.

Your book is titled Romancing with Life, and you’re known as the evergreen romantic hero. Are you a romantic?
Romancing with life is everywhere… you’re talking to me, and your subconscious mind has some notes on Dev Anand that you want to ask me. So you’re romancing with me, in that context. When in awe, when involved intensely with something, be it your work, your boyfriend, your husband, your kids… you’re romancing. I’m considered a very romantic man, but then, every leading man is a romantic.

Finally, who do you write about in your book?
Anyone: those who have left landmark impressions. The people who interest you: the people who leave an impression. They are in my book. Millions of people have rubbed shoulders with me in my lifetime… but when I started writing, it was only those that had left an impact that came to mind. The book is not static - it’s effervescent and exciting. It’s not subjective - it’s a good read. It’s the monumental moments of my life up to last year.

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