Friends and family pay final respects at Dev Anand's funeral in London

Veteran actor Dev Anand's funeral took place in London yesterday.

Family and close friends attended the ceremony at the Putney Vale Crematorium as his last rites were performed according to Hindu tradition.

According to NDTV, Anand's son Suneil, daughter Devina and sister Sheila Kapoor were present. The acting high commissioner of India, Rakesh Prasad, close friend Kartar Lalvani, Lord Karan Bilimoria and Baroness Shreela Flather also attended.

Paying tribute to Anand, actor Rajesh Khanna told The Hindustan Times: "I really admired his total dedication to his work and ever youthful attitude towards life. I never saw him interfering unnecessarily in others' matters. He was a thorough professional.

"As I bid him a tearful farewell, I sincerely pray that his soul rest in eternal peace. He will always remain alive in my heart. Dev Anand was my inspiration, my idol."

Anand's ashes will be flown back to Mumbai, and a memorial service will be held at the Mehboob Studio in Mumbai on December 15.

Dev Anand died in London on December 3, aged 88.