Deven Verma

Deven Verma was one of the most iconic and influential figures of Indian cinema. He started his career as an actor in 1946 with the film Hum Ek Hain, and soon became a leading star of the industry. He was known for his charismatic screen presence, his rapid-fire dialogue delivery and his unique nodding style. He was also a successful director and producer, who founded his own production company, Navketan International Films, in 1949. He made many critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, such as Baazi, Taxi Driver, C.I.D., Kala Pani, Guide, Jewel Thief, Johny Mera Naam, Hare Rama Hare Krishna and Des Pardes. He introduced many new talents to the industry, such as Zeenat Aman, Tina Munim and Jackie Shroff. He was also a pioneer of social and experimental cinema, and often explored themes such as patriotism, romance, crime, spirituality and urban life. He received many awards and honours for his contribution to Indian cinema, including the Padma Bhushan, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and four Filmfare Awards. He was also honoured by many international film festivals and organisations. He continued to work till the end of his life, and his last film, Chargesheet, was released in 2011, just two months before his death. He died of a heart attack in London at the age of 77. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential actors in the history of Indian cinema.