'He is an institution'

MY earliest memories are of waiting eagerly for dad to come home from work.

We had this ritual -- as soon as he came home, he'd call out to us. My sister, Devina, and I would run to him. He would hug us tightly. We would then just trail behind him...

He was never a strict father in that he never imposed himself upon us. But he did stop us from doing what was wrong. He was never hard on us -- he's always been a marshmallow. He is a soft person, basically.

The biggest highlight of my childhood was when I was at boarding school in Mussoorie. When Dad came to visit, the whole school wanted to meet him -- my friends, classmates, even the staff. Everyone at school was his fan.

Chaos reigned every day of his stay at school.

I've always been witness to the adulation his fans have had for him. He is mobbed wherever he goes.

People want to touch him, get his autograph, get themselves photographed with him.

For his part, he has always loved that adulation and has always responded and Reciprocated it. He has always shared a tremendous rapport with his fans and has rarely ever turned down anyone. Which I think is so commendable for a man of his stature.

I've never seen him snub anyone or refuse a request. Ever. And I enjoy watching him respond to everybody.

HEwas always busy shooting -- but he never brought work home. But for us kids, it was very exciting -- we got to see his previews and that was a fabulous experience.

He loves his work. It inspires him. Energises him. As long as he is working, he is charged, full of life. He is happy as long as he is working.

His motto is, and has always, been: Hard work never killed anybody. Work honestly and sincerely. I agree.

I remember the first time I visited his sets. He was shooting for Kala Bazaar.

It was a fight sequence with sticks and swords. I was really frightened. But it went off without occasion. That reassured me -- it wasn't blood and gore, after all!

After school, I went to America for my graduation.

By then, I knew I wanted to act, but didn't just want to jump into the line unprepared. So I majored in Mass Communication and Business Administration.

I returned to India after I got my Bachelor's degree. For a year, I assisted my dad. And then, he offered me a role in Anand Aur Anand, my launch film.

The acting bug had bitten me hard. I took up the challenge. I went on to act in four more films. Now, I've finished my fifth, which I have directed. Master is based on the martial arts, of which I have been a student for 18 years.

MY father is an institution. He has given so much to the industry, not only as an actor but also a filmmaker. His artistic contribution has been immense.

I think he's a trailblazer. I never felt that being his son was a disadvantage. On the contrary, people will always expect the best from me.

He has given so much to the industry -- they now expect something from me, too.

In the running of Navketan, I share a good healthy relationship with Dad. We sit together, discuss, argue.

HE sleeps late, gets up very early. He eats very little -- skips lunch, but has a good breakfast and a hearty dinner. That's his best meal --he prefers vegetarian food and loves fruit.

Dinners have always been special at home. We would sit together, chat over the meal, discuss the day's work.

Dad always watches the news at night -- I sit with him. That's another ritual for us.

Suneil Anand spoke to Lata Khubchandani

The Dev Anand slide show!


DONT MISS!

'Nothing stops me from doing what I want': - Dev Anand

'I adore him!': - Jackie Shroff

'He is one of the true gentlemen left in our trade': - Yash Johar

'His energy is amazing!': - Jatin Lalit

'He has given breaks to so many people': - Amit Khanna

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