Celebrating 100 years of Guru Dutt
This video tells his story, from learning dance in Almora to directing Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. His films, once misunderstood, are now considered among India's greatest.
Presentation: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian
Editing: Johan Sathyadas J
Script: Shikha Kumari A
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Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
On his 100th, Guru Dutt's classics return in 4K to theatres for new gen
This August, a filmmaker long gone returns to the big screen, sharper and clearer than ever. For the first time, a new generation will watch Guru Dutt 's haunting silences, aching glances, and songs that still break hearts, where they belong: in theatres. Old fans may get misty-eyed; new ones will understand why he remains the tragic poet of Indian cinema . And yes, the lush, romantic Chaudhvin Ka Chand, comparing a beloved's face to the full moon, will still shimmer with the same charm. Only now, in 4K. As part of Dutt's centenary celebrations, a nationwide theatrical release of his 4K-restored classics will run from August 8 to 10 across 250 cinemas in India. For the first time, films like Pyaasa, Aar Paar, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Mr & Mrs 55, and Baaz — released originally between 1953 and 1960 — will play in their digitally remastered glory. Put together by NFDC-NFAI in association with Ultra media group, this retrospective offers a rewind into Dutt's moody and musical world, which defined both his storytelling and his on-screen presence. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "Guru Dutt's films are timeless masterpieces that have influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. This initiative is not just a tribute to Dutt's legacy, but also a significant cultural movement to bridge generations through cinema," says Sushilkumar Agrawal, MD & CEO of Ultra, which owns the rights to these films. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swelling and internal bleeding in the brain, help this baby Donate For Health Donate Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola At the heart of the line-up is Pyaasa (1957), a haunting portrait of an idealistic poet adrift in a world that doesn't value poetry. Aar Paar is vintage noir-meets-Bombay jazz, while Chaudhvin Ka Chand remains one of Indian cinema's most enduring tales of friendship and love, set against the backdrop of Lucknow's Nawabi culture and beautifully captured in Technicolor. Mr & Mrs 55 is Dutt's rare rom-com, a witty take on post-Independence gender roles, and Baaz, his swashbuckling directorial debut. Born Vasant Kumar Shivashankar Padukone in Bengaluru and raised in Kolkata before he made Mumbai his canvas, Dutt was a filmmaker who turned heartache into high cinematic art. His moody, slow-burning frames and monologues redefined the language of Indian cinema. A pioneer of artful anguish, he made melancholy a separate genre sculpted in shadow and song with films like Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool. Off-screen too, the line between the artist and his art often blurred. His life, famously, mirrored the aching heart in his films. Critics and fans alike continue to draw parallels between his reel and real selves, often quoting "Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaaye toh kya hai" not just for his characters but for the man himself. Dutt died in 1964, at just 39, under circumstances still described as a possible suicide. The centenary screenings will also spotlight his family still tied to cinema. For Dutt's younger brother Devi Dutt, now 87, who produced films like Masoom and worked on Gandhi, it's a full-circle moment. "It's a dream come true to see his masterpieces restored to their former glory," he said. He sees the re-release as a bridge across generations. "Guru Dutt's films are a window into the soul of Indian cinema, with poetry, music, and storytelling." Would Guru Dutt have approved this restored visual retelling? "Given his passion for storytelling, I'm very sure he'd have been happy to see his work re-released in theatres all over India." On whether today's audiences will connect with these stories, he's optimistic. "His themes of love, loss, and the human condition are timeless. And visually, his use of lighting and cinematography might impress even those used to modern techniques." For young viewers, Devi says, it's also a glimpse into a different India. "There's nostalgia, but also history. That mix might just make them see his work in a whole new light." Dutt's legacy continues through his granddaughters, Karuna and Gouri Dutt, both assistant directors who've worked with filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Sudhir Mishra. The big-screen revival, they say, is a chance for viewers to see not just the visuals but his vision, which they describe as "sharp, poetic, and still ahead of its time." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Anurag Kashyap hails 'Dhadak 2' as throwback to golden era filmmaking: ‘What mainstream cinema was meant to be'
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has lauded Shazia Iqbal 's recently released film 'Dhadak 2', drawing significant comparisons to the works of legendary directors like Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt, K. A. Abbas, B. R. Chopra, and Yash Chopra. In a lengthy Instagram post shared on Saturday, Kashyap particularly commended lead actors Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, declaring that 'Dhadak 2' embodies "what mainstream cinema was meant to be." Here's a closer look. Anurag Kashyap gives 'Dhadak 2' a lot of praise Anurag posted several images and posters from Dhadak 2. Shazia was praised by him for "holding a mirror to us of what India really is." "In what is the most searing mainstream debut that I have seen in a very, very long time, @shaz.3.0 holds a mirror to us of what India really is outside of our bubble that we live in. Aided by terrific performances from @tripti_dimri, @siddhantchaturvedi, @saurabhsachdeva77, @saadcasm_, @priyanktiwarii, @itsharishkhanna, @manjiripupala, and @ and writing with #badwelkar, brilliantly shot by @sylvesterfonseca," he expressed. Anurag Basu contrasts 'Dhadak 2' with movies starring Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt. He went on to say that "mainstream films of social relevance" are no longer a priority for filmmakers. "The film captures the conversation that we avoid on a day-to-day basis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo This is what mainstream cinema was meant to be, and this is what great filmmakers like Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt, K. A. Abbas, B. R. Chopra, Yash Chopra, and so many used to do. We forgot to make mainstream films of social relevance. They got relegated to independent art house cinema. Anurag went on, This is what Tamizh cinema and so much of cinema from the south still does." 'Dhadak 2' is "a punch in the gut," according to Anurag Basu 'Dhadak 2' describes the humiliation and hardships that Nilesh, a Dalit law student, endures from her family after falling in love with his classmate Vidhi, who comes from an upper-caste family. Being one of the few Bollywood mainstream romances to address casteism and classism in India, the movie has received praise. 'Dhadak 2' was described by Anurag as an "extremely brave and powerful film." "A mainstream adaptation of Periyarum Perumal, without losing the essence of it, Dhadak 2 is a punch in the gut. My driver, who went with me, wept at the end of it and hasn't stopped talking since. An extremely brave and powerful film from @dharmamovies. See it for yourself. I won't say much. Congratulations to the whole team. @prashant316, @animeshpanwar, @sanyukta_mohta, and others that I don't know. Well done, team. @somenmishra @karanjohar," he wrote at the end of his note. About 'Dhadak 2' The story of 'Dhadak 2,' which defies norms of society and examines love, was released in theaters on August 1. The movie follows Siddhant's character as he forges a romantic relationship that goes beyond social norms and social classes. The 2018 hit, which starred Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, has a spiritual follow-up. The Hindi version of the Marathi movie 'Sairat' was called 'Dhadak.'
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Bollywood's unluckiest film: Took 23 years to make, lead actor and director died before its release, film is...
You might have come across many films that are now made within a year or two. However, did you know that many films in Bollywood took a considerable amount of time to make? One such film is Love and God, also known as Cass and Laila. This film was released on the big screen on 27 May 1986, but do you know that during the making of this film, from the director to the actor, everyone died. After the death of the actor, another actor was cast, and then he also died. Let us tell you about this film. Which is Bollywood's most unlucky film? The shooting of the film Love and God started in the year 1963, at that time Guru Dutt was signed as the lead actor i.e. Cass in this film. At the same time, an actress named Nimmi was playing the role of Laila. However, Guru Dutt died suddenly in 1964 and this film remained incomplete. After this, the film was stopped, and then the director of the film, K. Asif, signed Sanjeev Kapoor as the lead actor. The shooting of the film started again in 1970, but during the shooting, the director and producer of the film K. Asif died. This was his first and last film, whose release he could not even see. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priya (@bollywoodtriviapc) How did the film take so long to shoot? You will be surprised to note that after this, the shooting of the film was eventually halted in 1971. Asif's wife Akhtar Asif decided to release the film with the help of KC Bokadia. The remaining shooting of the film was completed in three different studios and the film was released, but before the release of the film, the lead actor of the film, Sanjeev Kumar, also died in 1985. After his death, somehow this film was finally released on the big screen on 27 May 1986. This is the reason why this film is called an unlucky film, because during the making of this film, from the actor to the director-producer, everyone died.
