Actor leads Bollywood star cast at 86 years

They don’t call him the evergreen hero for nothing.

Dev Anand, who first acted in a movie over half a century ago, returns to the silver screen this year with his new film, “Chargesheet,” where he plays an intelligence officer. It was screened for media earlier this week.

“I had gone to Nepal when I got the flash of this idea. Initially I did not pay much attention to it. But then, I worked on it and realised it could actually make a very interesting subject for a film,” he told reporters at the screening.

The movie features three newcomers. “The film has two new boys and a girl. Mark my words; they have a great future in the film industry. I can cast any newcomer in my film the moment I find that they are talented,” he said.

The film also features the voices of Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan, but it was Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle who was reluctant to sign on.

“I met Ashaji and told her about my project. I had to convince her but then eventually she agreed to sing,” Anand said.

Produced by Navketan films, "Chargsheet" is a suspense thriller where the 86-year-old star plays a pivotal role. He has also cast Indian politician Amar Singh in the film.

Perhaps more interesting is that he is now working on a remake of his 1971 hit, “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” about drug-taking hippies in India.

"I will make another version of 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' in Nepal very soon. The script is ready. People want another 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' I know that," he said. "If people can make remakes, make biopics, why can't there be a remake of this film... The film will be made keeping in perspective the present generation."
 
Anand's last few directorial ventures "Censor" (2001), "Love at Times Square" (2003) and "Mr Prime Minister" (2005) all tanked ata the box office. 

Dev Anand began his career in 1946, in the Prabhat Talkies film “Hum Ek Hain”. He has since acted in some of Bollywood’s biggest hits, including “Guide” (1965) and “Jewel Thief” (1967).

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