Dev Anand worked as a clerk in an accountancy firm during his struggling days in Mumbai. He also worked at the Military Censor Office.
After watching Ashok Kumar's performance in films like ‘Achhut Kanya’ and ‘Kismat’, he aspired to be an actor.
Ashok Kumar gave Dev Anand his first big break by casting him as a hero for ‘Ziddi’ (1948). The veteran actor spotted him hanging around the studios.
Dev Anand was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Dev Anand led a group of film personalities who stood up against the Internal Emergency imposed by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
He directed 19 films and produced 35 films. 7 directorial ventures and 18 films were successful at the box office.
Dev Anand died due to a cardiac arrest in his room at The Washington Mayfair Hotel in London on December 3, 2011. He was 88.