Dev Anand's son and nephew recall his cherished memories

The son and nephew of Bollywood superstar Dev Anand, who died at the age of 88 in London after a cardiac arrest, mourned his demise and recalled some cherished memories about him.

They shared their candid views with mediapersons in London.

Suneil Anand, the son of the veteran actor, said his father would always be present with him.

"I loved my father very much. I was very close to him and I miss him but I know he is there smiling looking down at me and God Bless him," said Suneil Anand.

Dev Anand's cremation will be held in London on December 10 after which his ashes would be brought to India for immersion in the holy River Godavari at Nashik as per Hindu rituals.

Further Suneil stated that his father was young at heart and full of life.

"He had given me lot of advice in the last few days about things, about life, about all kind of things. He was happy, generally very happy. He was happy to be in London. He wanted a break. He wanted a holiday, and you know, we were planning to see a bit of the UK to tour around because his next film was going to be shot partly here," added Suneil Anand.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan in 1923, Dev Anand travelled to Mumbai to work as a clerk in a government office in 1944 and got his first break two years later in the film 'Hum Ek Hain'.

He turned director soon after and went on to deliver a string of hits under the banner of Navketan Films.

'CID', 'Guide', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna' and 'Jewel Thief' are movies considered part of Bollywood's essential viewing catalogue.

Speaking on these topics, Tony Sareen, a nephew of Dev Anand, said he was a gem of a person.

"An amazing man, who not only was a legend in terms of the film industry, but from my perspective as a nephew, and I was very-very close to him, not only in London but when I was India as well. He was an incredible family man as well, very caring, very loving and did so much for so many people," recalled Sareen.

Dev Anand is said to have been inspired by Hollywood's Gregory Peck whom he resembled, but his own casual style and the signature nod of his head while delivering dialogue were often imitated by fans.

For his contribution to the field of art and cinema Dev Anand was honoured with the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in cinema in 2002.

Incidentally, the veteran actor remained true to his word evergreen, as he refused to retire from Bollywood, often telling interviewers he would work till his last breath.

Dev Anand is survived by his wife Kalpana Kartik, son Suneil and daughter Devina. (ANI)