Hyderabad Pays Rich Tribute to Dev Anand & the Anand Brothers

Remembering Razia Baig Series honours their contributions

The Remembering Razia Baig series continued its journey of celebrating the performing arts with a soul-stirring tribute to Bollywood legends Dev Anand, Chetan Anand, and Vijay Anand. Hosted at Radisson Blu Plaza, Hyderabad, the evening featured a special audio-visual presentation by actress-director Sohaila Kapur, niece of the Anand brothers. The packed hall, filled with arts enthusiasts, politicians, bureaucrats, defense officials, and members of Hyderabad’s erstwhile royal family, was a testament to the enduring impact of these cinematic icons.

Curated by Padma Shri Mohammad Ali Baig in memory of his mother, theatre matriarch Begum Razia Baig, the series has been receiving overwhelming acclaim. Following the successful launch event with Ila Arun’s book release, this session brought together the legacies of two celebrated families – the Anands of Bollywood and the Baigs of theatre. Addressing the audience, Mohammad Ali Baig spoke of his mother’s five-decade-long influence on theatre, her pioneering role in its revival, and her lasting impact on cultural landscapes both in India and overseas.

Sohaila Kapur, an accomplished actress, writer, and journalist – and sister of filmmaker Shekhar Kapur – began her 90-minute presentation by paying a heartfelt tribute to Begum Razia Baig. She reminisced about the grace and warmth with which Begum Baig hosted theatre luminaries after their performances, leaving an indelible mark on the world of performing arts.

Taking the audience through a captivating journey, Sohaila brought to life rare anecdotes and stories of the three Anand brothers. She highlighted how Chetan and Vijay Anand played pivotal roles in shaping Dev Anand’s legendary image as the evergreen hero of Indian cinema. The presentation, rich with film clippings, interviews, and musical sequences, evoked nostalgia as classic songs from ‘Guide,’ ‘Haqeeqat,’ ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna,’ and ‘CID’ played on the screen.

Scenes featuring Waheeda Rehman, Nargis, Zeenat Aman, and Tina Munim transported the audience to Bollywood’s golden era. Senior members of the audience hummed along, applauding moments that rekindled memories of a bygone cinematic age.

In true Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation fashion, the evening maintained an air of elegance and refinement, beginning with a sumptuous high tea at the Radisson.

The Remembering Razia Baig series continues to be a commendable initiative, celebrating not only the icons of theatre and cinema but also recognizing women in the performing arts. By bringing forth path-breaking works of female writers, directors, dancers, and singers, the series aims to pay rich tribute to personalities who have shaped the cultural fabric of India.