Deven Verma, born on 23 October 1937 in Kutch, was raised in Pune by his father Baldev Singh Verma, a Rajasthani, and his mother Sarala Devi, from Kutch. His father worked as a film distributor. Verma attended Nowrosjee Wadia College, graduating with Honours in Politics and Sociology. He married Rupa Ganguly, daughter of veteran actor Ashok Kumar, and sister of Preeti Ganguly. Verma, originally named Devendu, changed his name during college. He had four sisters: Nirupama, Tushar, Amita, and P