Vijay Anand is often remembered for Guide, a film that remains one of the greatest Indian movies of all time. However, his contribution to cinema goes far beyond this masterpiece. His impeccable storytelling, innovative song picturization, and ability to bring out the best in his actors set him apart as a filmmaker par excellence.
Waheeda Rehman: Guide Would Not Have Been Possible
For Waheeda Rehman, the film Guide was a defining moment in her career. The legendary actress said ” thanks to Vijay Anand’s directorial brilliance. “He is one of the best directors I ever worked with. Rosy in Guide wouldn’t have been possible without him. He had a vision, and he knew exactly how to extract the best from his actors,” Waheeda also worked with him in Kala Bazar, which she remembers fondly.
Vyjayanthimala: His Song Picturization Was Unparalleled
Vyjayanthimala was initially supposed to play the lead in Guide, but fate had other plans. Instead, she collaborated with Vijay Anand in Jewel Thief, a crime thriller that remains a classic. The actress revealed “His sense of music and song picturization was unparalleled. My song Hothon Mein Aisi Baat in Jewel Thief is still remembered, proving the timelessness of his cinematic style.”
Asha Parekh: ‘Vijay Anand Was A Master of Song Picturization’
Asha Parekh worked with Vijay Anand in Teesri Manzil and later in Kahin Aur Chal. Asha said “I didn’t realize how brilliant he was until I saw his shot compositions. His storytelling style was unique, and his mastery over song sequences was unmatched. Even filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali have taken inspiration from his work,”
Raakhee Gulzar: ‘He Made Every Actress Look Beautiful’
Vijay Anand had an extraordinary way of presenting his heroines on screen. Raakhee, who worked with him in Blackmail, cherishes the way he framed her. The actress shared “I was pregnant while shooting Blackmail, yet I have never looked more beautiful on screen. His song picturization in Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas was pure magic. “
Hema Malini: ‘Vijay Anand Was My Guru’
For Hema Malini, Vijay Anand was more than just a director he was a mentor. Hema shared “I was new to the industry when I did Johnny Mera Naam. Vijay Anand literally taught me how to face the camera. He, along with Dev Saab, guided me in my early years. ” Their pairing was so successful that producers kept casting her with Dev Anand, but none of their later films matched Johnny Mera Naam’s impact.
Vijay Anand’s directorial legacy is unmatched. Whether it was Guide, Jewel Thief, Teesri Manzil, or Johnny Mera Naam, his films continue to be celebrated for their visual storytelling, compelling narratives, and timeless songs. On his death anniversary, the film industry remembers him not just as a filmmaker but as a visionary who transformed Hindi cinema forever.
