When it comes to classic films of Hindi cinema, the name of Guru Dutt comes in the top row, whose 100th birth anniversary is being celebrated on Wednesday. He directed, produced some of the best classic Bollywood films and set a high bar with his acting in some of them. His top 10 memorable films are:
”Pyaasa”: This film, released in the year 1957, is considered his ‘dream project’. In this Guru Dutt is shown as a disappointed poet. It also has biographical elements as it documents his father’s failed creative ambition to become a writer. This film gave immortal songs like “Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye To Kya”, “Jaane Woh Kaise Log The”, “Hum Aapki Aankhon Mein”, “Jaane Kya Tune Kahin” as well as “Sar Jo Tera Chakraye”. The film also starred actresses Mala Sinha, Waheeda Rehman and Rahman.
”Kaagaz Ke Phool”: When this film was released in theaters in the year 1959, it proved to be a huge failure commercially. Guru Dutt was so saddened by this failure that he never directed again. But today, it is counted among the most loved classic films of Hindi cinema.
Like ”Pyaasa”, this film also depicted various aspects of life. Particularly his broken marriage and his dissatisfaction with his creative endeavours. It is the story of a filmmaker with no inspiration and a broken home, who becomes addicted to alcohol and dies alone on the film set. It was India’s first film produced in CinemaScope and has been rated the ‘Greatest Musical Film of 1959’ by the British Film Institute. The film has also been praised for its technical proficiency.
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam: Released in the year 1962, this film is one of his last films as a producer. He convinced Bengali novelist Vimal Mitra not only to make a film based on his book but also to write the script. This film was directed by Guru Dutt’s close friend Abrar Alvi. It is set in Bengal and revolves around a neglected housewife in a feudal household that has lost its grandeur. In this, Guru Dutt plays the role of a servant who sympathizes with the loneliness of the woman. This is one of the films with brilliant acting of Meena Kumari. Waheeda Rehman also plays the role of Jaba in the film and Rehman plays the role of Meena Kumari’s husband.
”Aar Paar”: Apart from acting in this film released in the year 1954, Guru Dutt also directed it with his friend and comedian Johnny Walker, Shyama, Shakeela, Jagdeep and Jagdish Sethi. It was a commercial film with a humorous theme and featured a taxi driver and a romance between two women.
”Chaudhvin Ka Chand”: Directed by Mohammed Sadiq and produced by Guru Dutt, this 1960 film was his biggest commercial hit as a producer. This saved his production company from bankruptcy after the failure of “Kaagaz Ke Phool”. This film was of the “Muslim Social” genre popular at that time. It featured a love triangle relationship between Guru Dutt, Waheeda Rehman and Rehman. The film is still remembered for its evergreen title song sung by Mohammed Rafi.
Baazi: His directorial debut with this film starring Guru Dutt’s friend Dev Anand and Geeta Bali and released in 1951. The success of this film shaped future ‘noir’ films (a genre of film that emphasizes eccentric attitudes and inspirations) in Hindi cinema, which came to be known as “Bombay Noir”. The film revolves around a gambler named Madan (played by Anand) who is accused of murdering a dancer he knew.
”Mr. & Mrs. 55”: Released in the year 1955, this film is a romantic comedy based on the story of a struggling cartoonist and a modern heiress. In this, Guru Dutt himself played the role of cartoonist and Madhubala was in the lead role with him. The film is known for the excellent chemistry between its lead characters. The story revolves around love, marriage and gender roles.
‘Jaal’: Directed by Guru Dutt and released in 1952, this film had Dev Anand and Geeta Bali in lead roles. It was set in a fishing village in Goa and focused on a woman named Maria, who falls in love with the charming and mysterious Tony.
Baaz: Released in the year 1953 and directed by Guru Dutt, this film was his first film as an actor. 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 torn between two men…a police inspector and a notorious criminal.
”Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi”: This was Guru Dutt’s last film which was released after his death in 1966. Directed by Shaheed Latif, the film was reshot with Dharmendra, Mala Sinha, Tanuja, Deven Verma, Rehman and Johnny Walker. Dutt was its producer and Dharmendra replaced him in the lead role after Dutt died on October 10, 1964 at the age of 39. The film depicts a love triangle between a journalist and the two sisters who love him.
