Guru Dutt at 100: celebrating with his songs
Dutt was born Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone in 1925 in Bangalore, but grew up in Calcutta. As a young man, he trained at Uday Shankar's dance academy in Almora before beginning his film career as a choreographer with Prabhat Film Company. His directorial breakthrough came with Baazi (1951), starring Dev Anand. Dutt went on to direct several acclaimed films such as Aar-Paar (1954), Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955), and Pyaasa (1957). His magnum opus, Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), a classic to modern eyes, bombed at the box office, mirroring the fate of its disillusioned protagonist. Dutt continued to produce and act in films but never directed again. He was found dead in his Mumbai home on October 10, 1964, aged 39.
One of Dutt's greatest gifts was his use of music and song choreography, ranging frome playful to the lonesome. He was married to legendary playback singer Geeta Dutt, and their personal and creative partnership brought forth many iconic moments in Hindi cinema. Songs like 'Waqt Ne Kiya', 'Babuji dheere chalna' and 'Jaane Kya Tune Kahi' remain standards of the era. Dutt collaborated with the leading composers of his time — S.D. Burman, Hemant Kumar — and, in discovering and giving wing to OP Nayyar, found a match for the formal mischief of his early work.
On Dutt's centenary, here are some of his most enduring and evocative songs to celebrate with..
Tadbeer Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer Bana Le (Baazi, 1951)
Baazi, Dutt's directorial debut, bequeathed Bombay noir. The genre's interplay of light and shade—perfect for that city of chancers and chances—runs through this classic song. Voiced by Geeta Dutt and picturised on Geeta Bali and Dev Anand in a downstairs gambling den, the song, with its playful exhortations and charming composition, has resonated down the ages.
Babuji Dheere Chalna (Aar-Paar, 1954)
A noir-shaded comedy, and his second starring film, Aar-Paar featured Guru Dutt as a raffish, penniless taxi driver caught in a web of crime and romance. One of those ageless earworms, Babuji Dheere Chalna had a lovely teasing quality that informed the Geeta–O.P. Nayyar sound. While Nayyar adapted the tune from the Spanish-language Quizás, Quizás, Quizás, the song's suggestive moodiness is entirely its own.
Sun Sun Sun Zalima (Aar-Paar, 1954):
In this alliterative Rafi-Geeta Dutt duet, Kalu (Guru Dutt) is desperately trying to woo his employer's daughter, Nikki (Shyama). Composed by OP Nayyar, the song unfolds in a garage, where the duo flirt, spar and prance back and forth — a sequence that we'd later see play out in countless Bollywood romantic comedies.
Preetam Aan Milo (Mr. & Mrs. 55, 1955)
It's a classic airport scene. Anita (Madhubala) is racing to catch a glimpse of Preetam (Guru Dutt), who's set to fly off. Hurt, betrayal, longing hang heavy in the air. The flight takes off; Anita has just missed him. As she stands there, heart-broken, Geeta Dutt's achingly beautiful vocals take over. Originally a popular non-film track, composed by OP Nayyar and sung by CH Atma, it was reproduced for the film in Geeta Dutt's voice.
Jaane Kya Tune Kahi (Pyaasa, 1957)
Composed by SD Burman, with lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi, the song was sung by Geeta Dutt. Waheeda Rehman traipses around a moonlit city at midnight, and an enchanted Guru Dutt follows her around. There's a hint of intrigue, some restraint and an undeniable spark. Jaane Kya... is one of the more sprightly musical sequences from Pyaasa.
Jaane Woh Kaise Log The (Pyaasa, 1957)
Perhaps this is the most enduring image of Vijay, the disillusioned poet, from Pyaasa. An anthem of the broken-hearted, the track remains iconic for SD Burman's delicate piano notes, Hemant Kumar's haunting vocals and Sahir Ludhianvi's rueful lyrics. Interestingly, a bit of the song is inspired by the second line of the national anthem of India. According to the book, S. D. Burman: The Prince-Musician by Anirudha Bhattacharjee and Balaji Vittal, the tune of the line 'Humne toh jab khushiya maangi' borrows subtly from the line 'Punjab Sindh Gujarat Maratha Dravid Utkal Banga' of the national anthem.
Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam (Kaagaz Ke Phool, 1959)
A tragic, soulful lament, the song tugs at the bruised heart of Kaagaz Ke Phool. Penned by Kaifi Azmi and composed by SD Burman, it crystallised the lush, doomed romanticism that was Dutt's emotional signature. The regret and longing in the lyrics is complemented by VK Murthy's wondrous black-and-white photography and unforgettable lighting tricks.
Na Jao Saiyan Chhuda Ke Baiyan (Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, 1962)
Composed by Hemant Kumar and sung by Geeta Dutt, this is a tipsy ballad of love and longing featuring Meena Kumari as the indomitable Chhoti bahu. Chhoti bahu is married to Chhote saheb (Rehman), a 19th century zamindar in Bengal, whose life revolves around drinking and debauchery. In her attempts at winning her husband's love, Chhoti bahu, too, turns to alcohol. Here, she implores her husband to not leave, or she'll break down.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
7 hours ago
- NDTV
Why Geeta Dutt's Family Did Not Want Her To Marry Guru Dutt
Before they became one of Hindi cinema's most celebrated couples, Geeta Dutt and Guru Dutt were at very different points in their careers. Geeta (nee Geeta Ghosh Roy Chowdhuri) was already a household name, one of the top playback singers of her time, with her voice gracing countless chartbusters. Guru Dutt, on the other hand, was a newcomer struggling to find his place in the film industry. Yet, despite the difference in fame and fortune, love blossomed between them. Their romance played out quietly but passionately over three years. Guru Dutt would write her heartfelt letters, often passing them through his sister, artist Lalitha Lajmi, to maintain discretion. Geeta's family, however, was not in favour of the match. She was already a star and they worried whether Guru Dutt could provide her with the stability and life she deserved. But the couple's determination won out. On May 26, 1953, they married in a traditional Bengali ceremony at Amitya Kutir. The early years of their marriage were marked by warmth, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for each other's artistry. Decades later, their granddaughters, Karuna and Gouri, shared with NDTV what they've learned about this remarkable love story. "We've heard it was a whirlwind romance," says Karuna. "They deeply respected each other's talent and shared a friendship you can feel in his letters to her. But we didn't grow up hearing many stories because we were too little." Gouri adds, "Some of the letters are so personal you wonder if you should even be reading them." "Feels like an intrusion into their privacy," Karuna reflects. "But yes, there was definitely a lot of love there," Gouri affirms. Even after all these years, the letters remain a window into a relationship that began when one was a superstar and the other a struggler and became one of Hindi cinema's most poignant love stories.
News18
9 hours ago
- News18
Guru Dutt's Personal Letters To Wife Geeta Reveal His Longing For Family, Says Granddaughter
Last Updated: On Guru Dutt's 100th birth anniversary, his granddaughters shared insights about his life and his personal letters written to wife Geeta Dutt. One of the most accomplished filmmakers and actors in Hindi cinema, Guru Dutt had his share of turmoil in his personal life. Much like his films, his personal life was also full of ups and downs. In an exclusive interview with IANS on the occasion of the hundredth birth anniversary of Guru Dutt, the filmmaker and actor's granddaughters, Gouri and Karuna Dutt, spoke about his films, life, hobbies, and more. While talking about the letters their grandfather, Guru Dutt, wrote to their grandmother, Geeta Dutt, Gouri said, 'We've been very lucky — our dad preserved all the letters. In fact, they were even published in a book. I remember one letter he addressed to his children, he drew a cartoon face when signing it." Adding to that, she said, 'I remember something he wrote to his children, 'Kaam toh kaam hota hai. Koi kaam chhota ya bada nahi hota, aur jo kaam nahi karta hai, woh buddhu hota hai.' (No work is big or small, but those who do not work are fools.)" She continued 'I think it was his way of saying that you have to work hard if you want to reach anywhere in life." Throwing more light on the letters, Karuna said, 'Through his letters, you could definitely sense his longing for the family. Even though he was a workaholic, there was a part of him that deeply missed them." For the unversed, Guru Dutt was a veteran filmmaker and actor. who was mostly active during the 1940s and 1950s. He is known for iconic films like 'Pyaasa', 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghula, 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand', 'Mr. & Mrs. 55', and many more. He passed away at the young age of thirty-nine. His films gained cult status after his demise. Recently, to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Guru Dutt, six of his films—including Pyaasa, Baaz, and Chaudhvin Ka Chand—have been restored and screened in theatres across India. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Guru Dutt's 100th birth anniversary; Granddaughters recall his simplicity, love for nature; six restored classics return to theatres
, one of Indian cinema's most iconic and intriguing filmmakers and actors, loved relaxing at his Lonavala farmhouse, enjoying nature, and growing vegetables. On his 100th birth anniversary, his granddaughters Gouri and Karuna Dutt spoke to IANS about his films, life, hobbies, and personal side. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now When asked whether Dutt was able to go on family holiday, as he was a workaholic, Gouri replied, "I think he would try as much as possible. Whenever he was away shooting for a film, he used to mention in his letters that, as soon as he was done with the project, they needed to plan things.' Further, Karuna said, "We actually had a farmhouse in Lonavala, and my father(Guru Dutt's son) had very fond memories of it. They spent a lot of time there. It was a simple place, not a fancy bungalow. My grandfather, Guru Dutt, would show the children things like chicken hatching and was very fond of growing vegetables. He always tried to spark their curiosity about life and living.' Remembering Guru Dutt Guru Dutt was a legendary filmmaker and actor who made his mark in the 1940s and 1950s. Known for classics like 'Pyaasa', 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam', 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand', and 'Mr. & Mrs. 55', his work earned immense respect and love over time. Sadly, he passed away at just 39, and many of his films achieved cult status after his death. Celebrating 100 Years On the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, six of his films, including 'Pyaasa', 'Baaz', and 'Chaudhvin Ka Chand', have been beautifully restored and are now being screened in theatres across India. Why Shammi Kapoor rejected Guru Dutt's offer
