Evergreen actor of the Indian film industry, Devanand was presented with the first ever ANR award on 14th January at Jubilee function hall in Hyderabad by the chief guests of the function, AP Governor Sushilkumar Shinde and CM YS Rajasekhar Reddy.

Speaking on the occasion, Devanand said "I am happy to have received this award established in the name of such a great actor".

CM YSR also praised ANR for the establishment of the award saying it is of great value to the Telugu film industry. He also applauded ANR for the help he extends when the state is in need of it.

The ANR award was established early in this year by AKKINENI INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION. The award will be given every year to people with significant contribution in the fields of Arts and Sports.

Evergreen hero of the Indian film industry, Devanand, attended a press meet on 15th morning at Annapurna studios. ANR, Nagarjuna, Venkat Akkineni, Sumanth, Yarlagadda Surendra, Supriya and Akhil Akkineni also attended the press meet. Following the press meet Devanand toured the ANR awards gallery at Annapurna studios. Dev Anand was in Hyderabad to receive the ANR award on 14th evening. He spoke to the press about his life in the film industry, his likes-dislikes and about receiving the first ANR award. Excerpts from that interview.

Q: Tell us about your meeting with ANR and this visit to Annapurna studios?

A: I envy ANR for his achievements. He has given a huge contribution to the film industry. His son, Nagarjuna, has the looks and potential to become an international star. India is not far behind Hollywood now. Annapurna studio is a great place. I have seen ANR's library and archives. My meeting with him has been very inspiring.

Q: Did you watch any of ANR's films?

A: Not much. I have watched a few scenes of his films on TV. I met him once before at a film related event in USA in 1964.

Q: How do you feel about your career when you look back on it?

A: It feels really good. I came to Mumbai from Lahore in 1943 with Rs. 30/- in my pocket. I got the break in 1945 after struggling for a couple of years. I possess a strong will power and I achieved everything alone. I believe that one can achieve anything when one does it alone. All the money I earn I again spend it on films. I get lots of satisfaction from this creative work of filmmaking and acting. I am currently writing a book on my experiences in the film industry. The book will be published by a famous American publisher.

Q: During your prime time, girls used to go crazy when they saw you in a black outfit?

A: In those days wearing black was considered unlucky. But in my film 'Kalapani' the hero vows to wear black until his father is given justice, after being falsely convicted. So I had to wear black outfits in the film. Then black became a rage. And, yes, the girls use to go crazy when ever they saw me in public, wearing black.

Q: The cap you always wear has become your trade mark. Any special reason for that?

A: I wore this kind of cap in my film Baazi. After which it became very popular. Since then this cap has become my companion. In fact I have a whole chapter dedicated to this cap in my unpublished book.

Q: What is your opinion on Madhu Bala?

A: She is a very pretty lady. She was always smiling lady. She doesn't wear much make-up. Her beauty is very natural. She used to be bit whimsical though.

Q: Tell us about Guru Dutt?

A: Guru Dutt was my best friend. We knew each other even before Guru Dutt became a director. At that time we decided that would support each other after one of us get a break. So I produced a film titled Baazi by introducing Guru Dutt as the director. After that I acted as hero in CID produced by Guru Dutt. Then we got busy with our own work.

Q: What difference do you find between the actors of your generation and today?

A: I am not trying to be diplomatic by saying this but I think every body is talented. Without talent, nobody becomes famous.

Q: What are your future plans?

A: Right now�I registered my scripts with Directors Guild of America. My next script 'Beauty Queen' is ready.