The actor who ruled the industry for many decades with his flamboyant charm and distinctive style in hits like "Guide", "Baazi", "Taxi Driver" and "Jewel Thief", said that there is no point resting on the laurels of the past.
"I am still learning, I am still a student. There are so many things that I do not know, so many things I have not done and it is this realisation that keeps me going. (Abhi to duniya ka vistaar pada hua hain mere saamne)," the actor who was in town to receive a felicitation awarded by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said.
And Anand who achieved heartthrob status with his swagger and signature tilted hat is still a crowd puller, with thousands turning up at the venue to get a glimpse of their idol.
From a man telling him, "Dev Sahab you are my soul," to a youngster moved to tears with the meeting, the actor's charm has defied his age.
Anand whose production house 'Navketan' recently completed 60 years, said that the pursuit of perfection keeps him going as he wants his next film to be his best.
"I am a man of the future, not the past. I am a man who is constantly moving on. What is done is done, it is of no interest to me. Let the world discuss it, Dev Anand has already moved onto the next," said the actor who has won the Dada Saheb Phalke award and the Padma Vibhushan among countless other accolades.
When asked what inspires him to go on, the actor who "breathes cinema" was quick to reply, "My own work inspires me, and the conviction that somewhere in the shadows the world is watching, waiting for Dev Sahab's next work."
Anand is currently working on his next project 'Charge Sheet' which stars himself and also marks the Bollywood debut of politician Amar Singh.
"I have come to receive the award because I am working on my next project 'Charge Sheet'. I already have another script in mind. This is Dev Anand for you. I have done nothing but cinema my entire life. I have not got into cricket, neither am I selling products on TV, I am a filmmaker," said the actor who has now set his sights on the Cannes Film Festival.
"I took 'Guide' to Cannes last year and the audience teared up after seeing the film. I told them that this was a film which was made in the 60's but I still have the passion to make better films and I also told them that I now plan to make a film which will sweep all their top awards," said the actor who is also planning a world wide release for the colour version of his 1961 hit 'Hum Dono'.
The film starred yesteryear's actresses Sadhna and Nanda opposite Dev Anand, who was in a double role.