In the 40s and 50s, the Hindi film hero seldom danced. On the rare occasion that he did, like Raj Kapoor in ‘Mud mud ke na dekh’ or in ‘Dil ka haal suney dilwaala’ in Shree 420, Dilip Kumar in Naya Daur.
Dev Anand though not a good dancer tried dancing in many songs. He relied solely on his facial expressions and the inimitable way in which he moved his head to enact most of these songs. The first time we can see him dancing a few steps in the song ‘Mere Labon Pe Dekho Aaj Bhi Taraaney Hain’ (Baazi), ‘Chaahey koi Khush Ho Chaahey Gaaliyaan Hazaar De’ (Taxi Driver) or ‘Oonche Sur Mein Gaaye Ja’ (House No.44), Ladhi Aankh Se Aankh - Pocket Maar(1956), Ae Meri Topi Palat Ke Aa from Funtoosh(1956) in most of the films he danced in his own style.
In the early 60s, Dev Anand was seen in many films, singing, and dancing such as Sarhad. Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Love Marriage were a few of these. He had some surprisingly awkward moments when called upon to dance. Tasveer Teri Dil Mein from the 1961 Maya is a lovely song, but watch the scene: Anand is passable when he is just bobbing his head and clasping his hands while Mala Sinha does most of the work.
I have selected such songs in which we can see Dev Anand dancing maybe not as a perfect dancer but he had his own steps, own style.
Click to the link below
Song of Baazi 1951
Song of Taxi Driver 1954
Song of House No.44 1955
Song of Paying Guest 1957
Song of Baarish 1957
Song of Dushman 1957
Song of Kala Pani 1958
Song of Bombai Ka Babu 1960
Song of Sarhad 1960
Song of Sarhad 1960
Song of Manzil 1960
Song of Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja 1961
Song of Bullet 1976
