When it comes to classic films of Hindi cinema, Gurudutt’s name comes in the top line, whose 100th birth anniversary is being celebrated on Wednesday. He directed, produced some of Bollywood’s best classic films and set a high criteria in his acting in some. His top 10 such memorable films are:
“Pyaasa”: This film, released in the year 1957, is considered his ‘Dream Project’. In this, Gurudutt is shown as a disappointed poet. It also has biographical elements as it is a document of his father’s failure to become a writer. This film gave the immortal songs like “even if you meet this world”, “Know how they were”, “Hum your eyes”, “Jaane kya kahin kahin kahin” along with “Sir Jo Tera Chakray”. The film also starred actress Mala Sinha, Waheeda Rehman and Rahman.
“Paper Ke Phool”: In the year 1959, when the film hit theaters, it proved to be a badly unsuccessful failure. Gurudutt was so sad with the failure that he never directed again. But today, it is counted among the most favorite classic films of Hindi cinema.
Like “Pyaasa”, this film also depicts various aspects of life. Especially his broken marriage and his dissatisfaction with his creative efforts. It is the story of a filmmaker who has an inspiration and broken house, which gets addicted to alcohol and dies alone on the set of the film. It was the first film in India produced in cinemasopop and has been given the status of ‘greatest musical film of 1959’ by the British Film Institute. The film has also been appreciated for its technical efficiency.
Sahib Bibi and Ghulam: The film, released in 1962, is one of his last films as a producer. He celebrated the Bengali novelist Vimal Mitra not only to make a film on his book but also persuaded him to write his screenplay. The film was directed by Abrar Alvi, a close friend of Gurudutt. It is based on the background of Bengal and revolves around a neglected house owner in the feudal house that has lost its glory. In this, Gurudutt plays the role of a servant who is sympathetic to the woman’s loneliness. It is one of Meena Kumari’s magnificent films. Waheeda Rahman also stars Jaba in the film and Rahman plays Meena Kumari’s husband.
“R Paar”: In this film released in the year 1954, Gurudutt also directed his friend and comedian Johnny Walker, Shyama, Shakeela, Jagdeep and Jagdish Sethi and directed. It was a commercial film, the subject of which was humor and featured romance between a taxi clever and two women.
“Fourteenth Ka Chand”: Directed by Mohammad Sadiq and produced by Gurudutt, the 1960 film was the largest commercial hit film as a producer. This saved his production company from bankruptcy after the failure of “paper flower”. The film was a popular “Muslim social” style at that time. It had a love triangle relationship between Gurudutt, Waheeda Rehman and Rahman. The film is still remembered for his evergreen title song sung by Mohammad Rafi.
Bazi: Gurudutt’s friends Dev Anand and Geeta Bali starring and released in 1951, they started the direction. The success of this film shaped the future ‘Noor’ films (the style of the film which emphasizes the eccentric attitude and inspirations in Hindi cinema, known as “Bombay Noir”. The film revolves around a gambler called Madan (starring by Anand), who is accused of killing a dancer who he knew.
“Mr. and Mrs-55”: The film, released in the year 1955, is a romantic comedy based on the story of a struggling cartoonist and modern successor. It played the role of the cartoonist by Gurudutt himself and she was accompanied by Madhubala in the lead role. The film is known for the best mutual coordination between its main characters. The story revolves around love, marriage and gender roles.
‘Jal’: The film, directed by Gurudutt and released in 1952, had the lead roles of Dev Anand and Geeta Bali. It was based on the background of the village of fishermen from Goa and was based on a woman named Maria, who falls in love with attractive and mysterious Tony.
Baz: The film was his first film as an actor, released in 1953 and directed by Gurudutt. In this, Geeta Bali and K. N. Singh also had roles. The film is based on the story of a young woman named Neelu, who finds herself trapped between two men … a police inspector and a notorious criminal.
“Baharan again will come”: This was Gurudutt’s last film which was released after his death in 1966. Directed by Shaheed Latif, the film was shot again along with Dharmendra, Mala Sinha, Tanuja, Deven Verma, Rahman and Johnny Walker. Dutt was its creator and Dharmendra played a lead role in his place after Dutt’s death at the age of 39 on October 10, 1964. The film reflects the love triangle between a journalist and two sisters who love him.
