Veteran actor-filmmaker Deven Varma, best know for his comic performance in 'Khatta Meetha' and 'Angoor', passed away this morning at his residence following a heart attack, family sources said. He was 78. Varma started his acting career as a stage artist and eventually made his Bollywood debut with a supporting role in Yash Chopra's 'Dharmputra' in 1961, which did not do well. He shot to fame with his performance in 1975 film 'Chori Mera Kaam', which bagged him his first Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. Varma went on to star in memorable films like 'Chor Ke Ghar Chor', Sanjeev Kapoor-starrer 'Angoor', 'Gol Maal', 'Khatta Meetha', 'Naastik', 'Rang Birangi', 'Dil', 'Judaai', 'Andaz Apna Apna' and 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai'.

 

His dual role of Bahadur in Gulzar's 1982 film 'Angoor', is considered as one of the most loved comic roles in Hindi cinema. Varma, who was married to Ashok Kumar's daughter Rupa Ganguly, turned producer with 'Yakeen' in 1969 and also took to direction two years later with 'Nadaan'. He produced and directed Amitabh Bachchan-starrer 'Besharam' in 1978. He also acted in Marathi and Bhojpuri films. Known as a man of principles, he had consistently refused to act in roles that demanded poking fun on handicapped and physically compromised people, earning respect in the film industry. He retired from films after working in 'Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai' and 'Calcutta Mail'.