Dev Anand’s son Suniel Anand is debuting in Hollywood as a director as well as an actor with the film Vagator Mixer. “My dad made films showing the effect of drugs and my first film too will showcase the ill effects of drugs,” he says.
Elaborating about the film, Suniel adds, “Vagator is a beautiful beach in Goa. The backdrop of Goa seemed to be the most suitable place for our tale. It’s about a boy who is romantically inclined towards an American girl who loves to party. Another man takes her to Goa and our boy reaches Goa to get her back.” “Direction wasn’t tough for me as I am well versed technically,” says Suniel.
Suniel feels that he has his father’s traits and energy level. “Dad was meticulous in his work, be it acting or directing. He was a perfectionist. His clothes, his writing, his work place, everything spoke of neatness… He lived like a king and was well spoken and well read as well. “He would never take troubles of home to the sets… He had a great knack of switching on and switching off. I have also adopted this trait, this helps me to complete the work smoothly and quickly.”
Suniel does not think that he is debuting late in Hollywood. “In fact, I feel that this is the right time for me to have débuted in Hollywood. I was travelling with dad in the last few years. I was always behind the camera while he made films. This has also helped me learn so many things from him.”
About preserving the negatives of his father’s films, he says, “The negatives have been preserved very well. We have treasured this property of Dev Sahab, an exorbitant amount is being spent on its preservation.
Talking about his growing up days, Suniel says, “Dad decided to admit me in boarding school as he did not want me to grow up in a filmi atmosphere. I studied in Woodstock in Ooty and thereafter went to America for further studies… Dad was not strict at all but inculcated ethical values in us.” “Being Dev Anand’s son, I have a great responsibility,” he says, adding, “I have to carry forward his legacy.”
