Dev Anand@100 - Forever Young

In a fitting tribute to the legendary Indian film actor, Dev Anand, on his 100th birth anniversary on September 26, 2023, the Film Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), alongside partners PVR and INOX, proudly presents "Dev Anand@100 - Forever Young." This extraordinary weekend festival will feature four iconic Dev Anand films, meticulously restored by NFCDC-NFAI, gracing the big screens across 30 cities and 55 cinemas in India on September 23 and 24, 2023.

Audiences in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Chennai, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, Guwahati, Indore, Jaipur, Nagpur, Chandigarh, Delhi, and more will have the privilege of experiencing these landmark films on the silver screen. The festival lineup includes "C.I.D." (1956), "Guide" (1965), "Jewel Thief" (1967), and "Johny Mera Naam" (1970).

The restoration of these classics was made possible through the National Film Heritage Mission, funded by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. This initiative seeks to preserve and revitalize India's cinematic treasures for future generations to cherish.

Film Heritage Foundation, known for its commitment to film preservation, has curated a selection of Dev Anand's finest works, allowing audiences to relish his various memorable personas: the suave Inspector Shekhar in the timeless thriller "C.I.D.," the charismatic tour guide Raju in the cult classic "Guide," the enigmatic Vinay/Amar in the spy thriller "Jewel Thief," and the eponymous Johny in the blockbuster "Johny Mera Naam."

Bollywood luminaries have showered their praise and fond memories of Dev Anand:

**Amitabh Bachchan**, one of India's iconic actors, acknowledges the significance of preserving these films, emphasizing the enduring charm and energy of Dev Anand's performances. He recalls how Dev Anand's magic would lead fans to sneak out of hostels in the middle of the night to catch his films.

**Suneil Anand**, Dev Anand's son, reflects on his father's influential work, particularly highlighting "Johny Mera Naam" as a film where Dev Anand's on-screen character closely mirrored his true self. Suneil also mentions his ongoing commitment to continue his father's legacy with the upcoming Hollywood film, "Vagator Mixer."

**Hema Malini**, the renowned actress who worked alongside Dev Anand in "Johny Mera Naam," fondly remembers her co-star and his inimitable style, emphasizing that there can never be another Dev Anand.

**Jackie Shroff**, another accomplished actor, expresses his joy at the prospect of Dev Anand's films returning to theaters, highlighting the cultural significance of these classics.

**Shivendra Singh Dungarpur**, the founder Director of Film Heritage Foundation, underscores the importance of commemorating Dev Anand's centenary and the partnership between Film Heritage Foundation and NFDC-NFAI to restore and showcase these timeless films.

**Prithul Kumar**, MD NFDC & Joint Secretary (Films), emphasizes the meticulous restoration efforts and the commitment to present Dev Anand's films as they were meant to be seen.

The "Dev Anand@100 - Forever Young" festival is a testament to the shared dedication of Film Heritage Foundation, NFDC-NFAI, INOX, and PVR in preserving India's cinematic heritage and providing contemporary audiences with the opportunity to relish the magic of a legend who will forever remain young on the silver screen. This initiative continues the legacy of Dev Anand and promises a memorable cinematic experience for audiences across India.