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Dev Anand given a tearful farewell in London
Nithya Ramani reports from London.
Bollywood legend Dev Anand was cremated on December 10 at Putney Vale Crematorium, London, amidst family, friends and fans.
The body arrived at the crematorium in a casket decorated with flowers. The final rites were performed as per Hindu rituals in a church.
Pundits chanted the rituals as the body proceeded into the chapel.
Dev Anand given a tearful farewell in London
Dev Anand's son Suneil said a few words about this father and thanked everybody present for coming. The acting High Commissioner of India Rakesh Prasad and Sahara group chief Subroto Roy paid their final respects after which the curtains descended on the casket.
Along with the Hindu rituals, a Scottish Bagpiper was present also, who performed at the end of the cremation ceremony.
The media wasn't allowed inside the chapel.
Dev Anand given a tearful farewell in London
Fans gathered at the venue and sang Devsaab's popular songs like Abhi Na Jao Chor Kar.
A Sikh fan stood outside the chapel with a clipboard of 'Raju Guide,' Dev Anand's character from his popular film Guide.
The founder of Dev Anand's fan club, started in the 1960s, was also present. He gave anecdotes of how his life was inspired by Devsaab. The fan club is one of the legend's oldest and the only international fan club in the UK.
Dev Anand given a tearful farewell in London
A memorial service followed, where Devsaab's son Suneil, nephews Vibhu Anand (Vijay Anand's son) and Tony Sareen, and Subroto Roy and Lord Meghnad Desai gave their condolences and spoke about the actor.
Bollywood Pandits, a local band, played a medley of popular songs like Mein Zindagi ka Saat Nibhata Chala Gaya, Gaata Rahe Mera Dil, Panna ki Tamanna Hai, Phoolon ka Taaron ka and others.
Dev Anand's wife Kalpana Karthik could not make it to the ceremony but his sister Sheila Kapoor was present. Also present was Devsaab's daughter Devina.
It came as surprise that no other Bollywood celebrity attended the funeral.
The legend's ashes will be taken back to Mumbai and a memorial service will be held at Mehboob Studios on December 15.
Dev Anand given a tearful farewell in London
Lord Meghand Desai said, "It was a pleasure knowing Devsaab. I will always remember him as a person who loved life. He had his fair share down-hill but he always smiled and was proud of whatever he did. I had the fortune of meeting him later in life but everything about the meeting will be memorable."
Subroto Roy said, "I don't feel he has gone. I still feel him around. Everybody says rest in peace but I still feel he is around. More than being a great actor, a handsome actor, he was a great person and will always be remembered so."
Dev Anand given a tearful farewell in London
Suneil said, "He has been more than a father to me. He was a great friend, guide and the support system of many of our lives. I would like to thank all of you who have outpoured your love by being here with us through his time."
Vibhu Anand said, "If my father was alive, he would have given a toast to his life. I remember the times I spent with him at his Pali Hill house. He stayed by his mother till her last breath and she had told him, 'Beta tu ek bahut bada aadmi banega (Son, you will become a very important man). He carried the responsibilities of a brother, son, father, colleague and friend."