Two icons from two different realms passed away in last two days. Dev Anand, the evergreen romantic hero of Indian cinema, died of a heart attack in a London hospital on Saturday; and former Brazil soccer great Socrates died from an intestinal infection in Sao Paulo the day after.
As the news broke about Dev Anand’s death at the age of 88, a pall of gloom descended over Bollywood with tributes pouring in from Indian cinema stars, reports Pallab Bhattacharya from New Delhi.
Waheeda Rehman, who worked with him in the classic “Guide” and in several other films, said she was sad to hear the news because he was her first hero and she did maximum films with him.
“We had to learn so much from him because he had so much energy in him. I used to tell him ‘Dev you are like an eveready battery’.”
Amitabh Bachchan wrote on twitter “an era has come to an end …Dev Anand leaves a void never perhaps to be filled again… his never-give up belief, his joy of life! Had just met Dev Saheb at his premiere recently…he was weak but full of spirit…He was such a positive person…never associated death with him,” he said.
Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar said Dev Anand never looked back and never regretted anything. He was a great personality.
“Dev Anand is dead. As the new dawn breaks over Mumbai I salute the memory of this star who has left us with the glow of his smile,” veteran director Mahesh Bhatt said. “So as a Tribute to Dev Saab let’s only hum his songs today. Songs that became such an integral part of our lives. Abhi na jao chhodkar.”
“Dev Saab was kind, passionate, courageous, forthright, charming, encouraging, contemporary, always a leader and a great human. Will Miss him,” said actor Anupam Kher on the micro-blogging site.
Actress Madhuri Dixit said, “Sad to hear about Dev Anand’s demise. Another icon leaves the stage. My condolences to his family. We will miss him.”
SOCRATES
Socrates, the clever playmaker who in 1982 captained what is widely regarded as the best Brazil side never to have won the World Cup, passed on aged 57, report agencies from Sao Paulo.
Known for his elegant style on the field and his deep involvement with Brazilian politics, Socrates died of septic shock resulting from an intestinal infection, according to a statement by the Albert Einstein hospital.
He had been rushed to the hospital on Saturday and had been in critical condition in an intensive care unit, breathing with the help of a ventilator.
Socrates was twice hospitalised and placed in intensive care in the last few months, most recently in September. Both times, he was admitted for a haemorrhage caused by high pressure in the vein that carries blood from the digestive system to the liver.
Socrates has acknowledged being a heavy drinker, even when he starred as a player in the 1980s.
-With The Daily Star input
