Guru Dutt was one of the greatest icons of Indian cinema, a man ahead of his time and the creator of ageless masterpieces, who contributed to the golden age of Bollywood.
Born on July 9, 1925 as Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone, Guru Dutt made his acting debut in Vishram Bedekar's 'Lakhrani' (1945), as Lachman, a minor role.
Dutt was lauded for his artistry, notably his usage of close-up shots, lighting, and depictions of melancholia. Along with being a prolific actor, he was also an ace director. He directed a total of eight Hindi films, several of which have gained a cult following internationally.
Dutt's life came to a tragic end when he was found dead in his bed at his rented apartment in Mumbai on October 10, 1964. He passed away at a young age of 39 and his death is said to have been a result of accidental overdose of sleeping pills mixed with alcohol.
On the stalwart's 97th birth anniversary, here's a look at some of his best movies:
Pyaasa (1957)
'Pyaasa' is considered to be Guru Dutt's masterpiece, and is often listed among greatest films ever made. Time magazine has called it "the soulfully romantic of the lot."
It is an evidence of Guru Dutt's incredible filmmaking. The songs are used with the intention to add to the storytelling and narrative with a lyrical medium. Some of the evergreen songs of the movie are 'Ye Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye To Kya', 'Aaj Sajan Mohe Ang Lagalo' and 'Sar Jo Tera Chakraye'.
Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959)
'Kaagaz Ke Phool' is an introspective romantic drama directed by Guru Dutt, who also plays the main lead. It is a movie with profoundly dark themes showing the trauma, angst and heartbreak of Suresh, who has been contemplated to be a fictional mirror image of Guru Dutt himself.
The movie is considered to be much ahead of its time, as it was a commercial failure at the time whereas rising in it's fame as a cult classic more than 20 years later. It was also India’s first cinemascope film.
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam
With a phenomenal performance from Meena Kumari, this movie is a tragic story of a repressed women suffocating in the anguish of her humiliating marriage. Greatly ahead of it's time in not only the feministic aspect, the movie questions the institution of marriage, role of women in the household, patriarchy and also the hierarchal social system.
Aar Paar (1954)
'Aar Paar' is an Indian noir-comedy Hindi-language film which was directed by Guru Dutt. The film was a commercial venture and was super-hit at the box office.
The authentic characters and captivating dialogue captured the heart of the audiences. The film had a very popular song album, which has been named the "Best Album of Golden Era" for the year 1954.
Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)
'Chaudhvin Ka Chand' is a classic Indian Muslim social film directed by Mohammed Sadiq. It was a huge commercial success for Guru Dutt and his first to enter into an International Film festival. (Moscow, 1962)
The gripping plot follows a series of misunderstandings around a love triangle which ultimately ends in tragedy. This film is remembered for it's focus on the friendship between the heroes and their devotion to each other's happiness.
The romantic ballad, 'Chaudhvin ka Chand Ho' is one of the most loved songs even today.
