Storytelling, Songs & Nostalgia Mark Dev Anand’s 102nd Birthday Celebration in Shimla
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Shimla, 26 September: The historic Gaiety Theatre came alive on Friday evening as cine lovers celebrated the 102nd birth anniversary of evergreen star Dev Anand with a soulful blend of theatre, storytelling, and music.
The presentation, jointly produced by *Three Arts Club* and *Katyayani*, was written, directed, and performed by Dev Anand’s niece, Sohaila Kapur, who transported the audience to the golden era of Hindi cinema. Actor Nidhikant Pandey adapted her English narrative into Hindi, adding dramatic flair by posing questions and recreating the philosophical and artistic essence of Dev Anand’s persona.
Interspersed with this storytelling were live renditions of Dev Anand’s timeless songs by singer Devanand Jha, whose performances had the audience clapping, humming, and even dancing along to classics that refuse to fade with time.
The evening began with a cake-cutting ceremony in memory of the legendary star, followed by the felicitation of retired IAS officer Srinivas Joshi, who began his theatre journey with the Three Arts Club in 1943. Vandana Bhagra of *Keekli Trust* was also honored for her cultural contributions.
Many admirers had travelled from Delhi and beyond, some dressed and speaking in Dev Anand’s inimitable style—an indication that the actor’s charm remains eternal. Producer Anuradha Dar revealed that the show, launched in Shimla to mark the star’s birth anniversary, will now travel to other cities across India.
The event concluded with a standing ovation, as the audience spontaneously sang along to “Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar,” proving that Dev Anand’s magic still resonates across generations.
