Dev Anand at 103: Jackie Shroff credits him for his Bollywood debut
Synopsis
Jackie Shroff's tribute to Dev Anand on his 103rd birth anniversary is more than nostalgia — it's a window into how the evergreen star quietly shaped Bollywood's next generation. From spotting Shroff on a model's hoarding to reassuring him with 'naya ladka hai' on set, Dev Anand's mentorship was as legendary as his six-decade filmography.
Key Takeaways
Jackie Shroff paid a social media tribute to Dev Anand on his 103rd birth anniversary on 26 September 2026 .
Shroff credits Dev Anand with discovering him through a model's hoarding advertisement and giving him his debut in Swami Dada (1982) .
The two actors later collaborated on Censor (2001) and Chargesheet (2011) , the latter being Dev Anand's final film as director and actor.
Born on 26 September 1923 , Dev Anand's career spanned over six decades with classics including Guide , Jewel Thief , and Hare Rama Hare Krishna .
Dev Anand was honoured with the Padma Bhushan (2001) and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2002) .
Veteran actor Jackie Shroff paid a heartfelt tribute to the late legendary actor-filmmaker Dev Anand on his 103rd birth anniversary on 26 September 2026, crediting the iconic star for launching his career in Hindi cinema. Shroff shared a series of throwback photographs on social media, including rare black-and-white portraits of Dev Anand and a cherished image of the two actors together.
Jackie Shroff's Tribute
Sharing the pictures, Jackie Shroff wrote: 'With Dev Saab's blessings, I took my first steps into the world of cinema! Remembering him on his birth anniversary with immense love, respect, and gratitude!' The post offered a glimpse into their long-standing association, which dates back to the early years of Shroff's career in the 1980s.
How Dev Anand Discovered Jackie Shroff
According to Shroff, Dev Anand discovered him through a hoarding advertisement when he was working as a model. The discovery led to Jackie's acting debut with a small appearance in Dev Anand's 1982 film Swami Dada. Recalling an incident from the sets of that film, Shroff said Dev Anand reassured him during a difficult action sequence, telling the crew: 'Take it easy, naya ladka hai.' The anecdote, which Shroff also shared during his appearance on the grand finale episode of India's Best Dancer Season 5, illustrates the mentorship Dev Anand extended to young talent throughout his career.
A Professional Bond That Lasted Decades
Their association was not limited to Shroff's debut. The two actors worked together in Censor (2001) and Chargesheet (2011), with Dev Anand directing both productions. Chargesheet, released in 2011, stands as Dev Anand's final film as both director and actor — a fitting close to a career that spanned more than six decades.
Dev Anand's Legacy in Hindi Cinema
Born on 26 September 1923, Dev Anand became one of the most celebrated figures in the history of Indian cinema. His filmography includes timeless classics such as Baazi, Taxi Driver, CID, Kala Pani, Guide, Jewel Thief, Johny Mera Naam, and Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Beyond acting, he was a prolific producer and filmmaker through his banner Navketan Films. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.
As tributes pour in on his 103rd birth anniversary, Shroff's post is a reminder that Dev Anand's influence extended well beyond the screen — shaping the careers of generations of artists who followed him.
Point of View
But Shroff's account stands out for what it reveals about Bollywood's informal mentorship culture of the 1980s — a system where a single powerful patron could make or break a career. That Dev Anand spotted Shroff on a hoarding and cast him on instinct speaks to an era of filmmaking that was far less corporate. What gets less attention is Chargesheet (2011): a film made when Dev Anand was 88, which underscores both his creative restlessness and the industry's difficulty in absorbing veterans past a certain age. The anniversary is a useful prompt to revisit whether Indian cinema has built better institutional support for its legends since then.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dev Anand being remembered on 26 September 2026?
26 September 2026 marks the 103rd birth anniversary of Dev Anand, who was born on 26 September 1923 . He is remembered as one of the most celebrated actors, producers, and filmmakers in the history of Hindi cinema.
How did Dev Anand help Jackie Shroff in his career?
Dev Anand discovered Jackie Shroff through a hoarding advertisement when Shroff was working as a model, and cast him in his 1982 film Swami Dada , giving him his acting debut. On set, Dev Anand also reportedly reassured a nervous Shroff during an action sequence, telling the crew 'Take it easy, naya ladka hai.'
Which films did Dev Anand and Jackie Shroff do together?
Dev Anand and Jackie Shroff worked together on three films: Swami Dada (1982) , Censor (2001) , and Chargesheet (2011) . Dev Anand directed both Censor and Chargesheet, with the latter being his final film as a director and actor.
What awards did Dev Anand receive for his contribution to cinema?
Dev Anand was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2001 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2002 , the highest honour in Indian cinema, in recognition of his more than six decades of contribution to Hindi films.
What were Dev Anand's most famous films?
Dev Anand's celebrated filmography includes Baazi , Taxi Driver , CID , Kala Pani , Guide , Jewel Thief , Johny Mera Naam , and Hare Rama Hare Krishna . He was also the founder of Navketan Films , one of Hindi cinema's notable production banners.
