Bahadur of Angoor is no more

Bahadur and his bhaang ke pakode: With Sanjeev Kumar in Angoor

He is best remembered for his double role with Sanjeev Kumar in the Gulzar-directed comedy Angoor. Deven Varma’s perfect comic timing and subtle portrayal of comic characters won him several hearts and reviews. Apparently, Varma did not believe in loud and senseless comedy, as was evident in the 100 plus films that he did over a career spanning 30 odd years. It was in 1993 that the actor retired from acting and moved to Pune to live a peaceful life, away from the hustle-bustle of Mumbai.
The news that the actor passed away on December 2 following a heart attack in a Pune hospital, shocked the film industry. The 78-year-old Varma, who is survived by wife Rupa, had worked with several actors who held him in high esteem
Starting his acting career with the B.R. Chopra-directed Dharmaputra in 1961 in which he made his debut together with Shashi Kapoor, Varma’s repertoire included films like Ahista Ahista, Andaz Apna Apna, Angoor, Anupama, Besharam, Buddha Mil Gaya, Chor Ke Ghar Chor, Chori Mera Kaam, Devar, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Dil, Golmaal, Gumrah, Judaai, Kabhie Kabhi, Kabutar, Khatta Meetha, Milan, Naastik, Pyaasa Sawan, Rang Birangi, Silsila, to name a few.
The actor worked with his father-in-law, veteran actor Ashok Kumar in films like Aaj Aur Kal , Bada Kabootar, Gumrah and Dharamputra and that is when he met Rupa Ganguly whom he later married.
Besides acting, Varma dabbled with direction and production as well. In 1969, he turned producer with Yakeen and thereafter made eight films. Later he turned to direction with Naadan, starring Asha Parekh and Navin Nischol. In 1973, he directed Bada Kabootar with Ashok Kumar, while the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Besharam released in 1978. There was also Daana Paani with Mithun Chakraborty in the lead, much later in 1989. Varma also acted in Nahihar Chutal Jaiye, a Bhojpuri film. His last films were Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai and Calcutta Mail, after which he choose to retire.

Industry Tweets

“Deven Verma… Friend, co-artist, producer and one that brought smiles on the faces of millions.. No more! Prayers and condolences. “Deven Verma… Shall never be able to repeat our patent greeting: “this floor is made of cement concrete”. RIP,” — Amitabh Bachchan, actor

Grew up watching his films, learnt from his comic timing, did films together that bring a smile. RIP Deven ji — Ajay Devgn, actor
So sad to know about demise of our friend & a very fine actor Deven Verma. Used to meet him at Yash Ji’s house. Always smiling & warm. RIP
— Anupam Kher, actor

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“RIP Deven Verma… your straight-faced impeccable comic timing still doesn’t have a successor,” — Karan Johar, film-maker

”Sad to hear Deven Varma-ji has passed away. A breakthrough humorist & baadshah of subtle comic timing, he made comedy look classy. RIP, Sir.”
— Madhur Bhandarkar

“Sad to hear that the great Deven Verma ji passed away. My heartfelt condolences to his family… RIP,” — Manoj Bajpayee, actor

“Pritam aaaan milo” RIP Deven Verma.. So many entertaining memories of my childhood cinema experience :)) #DevenVerma — Randeep Hooda, actor

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”Deven Verma – incredible actor, comic excellence second to none. Thank you for making my childhood so memorable. Will miss you sir- RIP,”
— Riteish Deshmukh, actor

Saddened to hear about Deven Verma the star of some of my Favourites films Angoor & Andaz Apna Apna..RIP Sir — Ritesh Sidhwani, producer

One of the finest actors who taught us how to make people roll on the floor with laughter wth subtle humour passes away. RIP Deven Verma sir
— Shreyas Talpade, actor