"This is a marvellous life, Meena," Dev Anand said to me on our last meeting a few months ago. Adding, "Yes my life is still going; it will keep on going as long as my mind does. I think an individual's mind is a marvellous thing. I truly believe that if your mind is strong, your body tries hard to keep pace with it. If you are a creative person, then your mind gets sharper with age. My mind is very sharp and I am happy for that."

. . .

Taking a deep breath, just before Charge-Sheet released a few months ago, Dev saab said, "Imagine there is no star of my stature and span in neither India or overseas. My banner Navketan is in its 61st year; and I am still making movies. Guide went to Cannes in 2008; you were with me. Hum Dono was coloured last year. It got a euphoric response in New Delhi, where it opened pre-release. And immediately after Charge-Sheet, I intend to start another film. I have scripts registered here in India and in America. If I may say so with modesty, may I please say that no one has been as creative as I have been for 45 years? I have not commercialized my talent. My talent is for myself. When I am not working, I am full time into books and scripts. Meena, you are my friend and compatriot. Let me tell you, the day I stop writing, that day I will stop breathing.

  Dev Anand has passed; and albeit, I'm writing this piece; with tears flowing down my cheeks.