It's been almost 4 years since I discovered that there is something called Google News alert. Having found it as a good way to follow people/place, I set my first alert with the keyword 'Dev Anand'. My reverence for the legend increased with every alert I received. Whenever I used to get more than 3 or 4 alert mails for this very keyword, my heart used to sink with the thought of the ultimate truth of life. Only after clicking and finding that all of them were just a part of some general gossip, I used to get a relaxed breathe. Being in 'general gossip' at the age of more than 85 was something which only Dev Saab could afford. Today, 3rd of December 2011 in UK and 4th of December 2011 in India, Dev Anand breathed his last in London.

He ran away from his home in Gurdaspur (Punjab), to Bombay in early 1940s and got his first break in 1946. Rest is history. I would not recount the embellishes of the great man here. They are too bright to be reflected on a paper or a screen. I always wanted to meet him, for he was one of the driving forces behind my lust for arts. I thought of writing to him, quite a many times. But regraded every time, due to lack of the words. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I made my mind to write to him, no matter how undeserving the text turns out to be. And I wrote. I attached a post card showing a Swiss hotel (Hotel Grimsel Hospiz, which can be seen in the memorable song 'phoolon ke rang se') as well. The letter went like:

Dear Dev Saab,

I would feel myself to be worthwhile a person, if these words catch your vision. I don't think I really need to say that how many times I have seen 'Guide', 'Hum Dono' etc., or that I am planning to read 'Romancing with life' for a third time, or that I admire you more than I admire anyone else in the films. I am Vikas Kapil, 25 years old, did bachelors in technology, masters in business administration, worked with Kohler Power, and NOW studying Creative Writing at Newcastle University in the UK. And I attribute much of this transition in the course of my life to you. The wish to contribute something to the artistic sphere, and a fair hand on writing, motivated me to overcome the quotidian zeal to earn a big buck in the corporate world. I do not have a copy of 'Romancing with Life' with me over here, but I will bring it here as I plan to visit India (Delhi) in the winter vacation. I remember that you have mentioned a place in Scotland where you use to go to write scripts. But I am unable to recall the name of the place. As I am just an hour away from the land of the Scots, I would like to pay that place a visit. With the hope that I will get a letter back (which will be one of my cherished possessions) from your side, I request you to tell me the name of the place in Scotland and give me a golden advice for life. Attached is a post card, which you might like. 'lena hoga janam hame kai kai baar'

Best Regards
Vikas Kapil

I posted it as soon as I finished writing. But it might not have got his vision. It might not get it ever. I was devastated reading the sad news. But the tinkering of one of the greatest song, raised me. And I know that it will keep on raising the spirits of millions of others, forever.

'main zindagi ka saath nibhaata chala gaya,'
'har fikr ko dhuye mein udaata chalaa gaya'

In fact, I can't help but to trace cinema in his final journey as well. For the two dates (UK and India), and a letter which would never find a reply.
Cheers to Dev Sahab, a life lived !