Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

The top 10 reasons why Guru Dutt was magnificent

The top 10 reasons why Guru Dutt was magnificent

Late Bollywood legend Guru Dutt is widely regarded as one of the finest and most influential Indian filmmakers.

He was also a respected actor and left behind a remarkable body of work in a relatively short space of time, including all-time classics, before he passed away on October 10, 1964, at the age of 39.


To mark his death anniversary this week and a forthcoming biopic, Eastern Eye decided to pay tribute to the movie icon by listing the top 10 things that made him memorable.

Top 10 inset Johnny Walker Guru Dutt in Pyaasa 465 Johnny Walker and Guru Dutt in Pyaasa

Film masterpieces: Although he was responsible for many cinematic innovations, launched new talent, and delivered winning performan­ces, what ultimately defined Guru Dutt was the impressive body of work he left behind as a producer and director. Some of his all-time classics include his stunning directorial debut Baazi (1951), Aar Paar (1954), Mr & Mrs 55 (1955), C.I.D (1956), Pyaasa (1957), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960) and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962).

All-round skills: Dutt started his career as a dance choreographer and evolved into a master filmmaker with extensive knowledge. He added acting to his impressive list of skills, along with having a great ear for music and an expert eye to spot new talent. The all-round ability gave his films an added depth during the golden age of Hindi cinema.

Top 10 inset Masterpiences Guru Dutt in Chaudhvin Ka Chand Chaudhvin Ka Chand

Acting ability: Although he didn’t rate himself highly as an actor, Dutt delivered memorable turns in films like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool and Chaudhvin Ka Chand. Although at his best playing characters with inner pain, he was also able to do lighter roles really well. What was remarkable about many of the performances was that he was often directing himself and producing the film.

Directing talent: Although he excelled as an actor and producer, Dutt was at his very best when directing films. He was able to tell great stories and bring out the very best from everyone involved in his films, from singers to all the actors. Sadly, he was crushed by the negative reviews to his masterpiece Kaagaz Ke Phool and never directed a movie again.

Top 10 inset Music Pyaasa soundtrack 0x@2x

Good music: Great stories were central to Dutt’s success, but he also had a ear for music, and this was demonstrated by the winning soundtracks in his films. The many memorable songs include Tadbeer Se Bigdi Hui Taqdeer Bana Le (Baazi), Yeh Raat, Yeh Chandni (Jaal), Babuji Dheere Chalna (Aar Paar), Jaane Kya Tune Kahi (Pyaasa) and the deeply romantic Chaudhvin Ka Chand title track. One of those who greatly benefited from his musical knowledge was legendary composer OP Nayyar, who delivered star-making songs for him. His wife Geeta Dutt sang many of his hit songs.

Innovative techniques: Whether it was incorporating songs seamlessly into the storyline, introducing new camera angles, or tackling taboo subjects, the producer, director, and writer expanded the horizons of Hindi cinema by introducing great innovations. His intelligent filmmaking techniques had a transformative effect, because it inspired others to follow in his giant footsteps. By looking at cinema through a more advanced eye, he made movies that were ahead of their time.

New talent: Whether it was finding behind the camera talents or skilled actors, Dutt was responsible for launching a lot of new stars, some of who went on to become major movie icons. A few of those all-time greats who made their Hindi cinema debut in one of his films included actress Waheeda Rehman, comedy king Johnny Walker and ace director Raj Khosla. He also gifted star-making moments to legends like actress Geeta Bali and singer Geeta Roy, whom he subsequently married.

Keeping it real: When other filmmakers were delivering escapist entertainers and films filled with optimism, he added a realism that was missing to commercial Hindi cinema with characters and storylines. He wasn’t afraid to have a sad ending or present characters, including females, who had a dark side to their personality. This would lay the foundation for a thriving arthouse Indian cinema scene that would evolve a few decades later. Dealing with real human emotions gave his films a timeless quality and why he remains relevant today.

Top 10 inset Director Kaagaz Ke Phool Kaagaz Ke Phool

Powerful female leads: If you consider that a number of leading ladies in Bollywood today still find it difficult to get great author-backed roles, what the forward-thinking filmmaker did was remarkable. Females in pretty much all of his films added gravitas. Whether it was the sexy vamp in Baazi (Geeta Bali), the prostitute (Waheeda Rehman) in Pyaasa, the sharp-witted heiress in Mr & Mrs 55 (Madhubala) or the desperate alcoholic (Meena Kumari) in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, he created some of the most memorable female lead characters in history.

Top 10 Guru Dutt 000 Copy

Maverick genius: Last, but not least, he was an intelligent rule-breaking genius who did things on his own terms. He turned subjects that shouldn’t have worked into successes and took chances on new talent. By breaking cinema rules, tackling taboos, and doing things on his own terms, he left a permanent mark on the movie landscape that will never be erased. That is why he should never be forgotten.

More For You

Aamir Khan

Aamir has always been known for taking bold and innovative approaches to his films

Getty images

Aamir Khan begins work on his ambitious 'Mahabharat' adaptation

Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood's most celebrated actors and filmmakers, has officially revealed that he has begun work on his long-awaited adaptation of the Mahabharat. For years, Aamir has expressed a deep passion for turning this legendary Indian epic into a film, and as he approached his 60th birthday, he has confirmed that work on this monumental project is finally underway.

Aamir Khan shares an exciting update

During a meet-and-greet with the paparazzi ahead of his milestone birthday, Aamir Khan gave fans the news they've been waiting for. When asked about his plans to adapt the Mahabharat for the big screen, he said, "I have just started. Just starting, putting the team together for the writing and all that, just started."

Keep ReadingShow less
Ibrahim Ali Khan’s fiery DM to Pakistani critic over ‘Nadaaniyan’ sparks social media uproar

Ibrahim Ali Khan’s fiery DM to Pakistani critic goes viral

Instagram/iakpataudi

Ibrahim Ali Khan’s fiery DM to Pakistani critic over ‘Nadaaniyan’ sparks social media uproar

Ibrahim Ali Khan has found himself at the centre of an online storm following his message to Pakistani film critic Tamur Iqbal. The critic had shared his blunt review of Ibrahim’s debut film Nadaaniyan, mocking not only the film but also taking a personal swipe at Ibrahim’s appearance. What followed was an angry message from the young actor that has since gone viral.

Tamur Iqbal had posted a story on Instagram, criticising Nadaaniyan for its performances and taking a dig at Ibrahim’s “huge nose.” While harsh reviews are common in the world of cinema, Ibrahim’s alleged reaction caught many by surprise. In a screenshot Tamur later shared publicly, Ibrahim appears to lash out, calling the critic “an ugly piece of trash” and threatening to “leave you uglier” if they crossed paths in person.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown’s rise as Netflix’s ‘Stream Queen’ is a reflection of the current state of the film industry

Getty images

Millie Bobby Brown and the rise of cinema’s first ‘stream queen’ with 'The Electric State'

At just 21 years old, Millie Bobby Brown has already secured her place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. The star of Stranger Things, who first captivated audiences with her portrayal of Eleven, now finds herself at the forefront of Netflix’s most high-profile projects. However, her latest role in The Electric State, a mindbogglingly expensive Netflix sci-fi film, has sparked mixed reactions and raised questions about her trajectory as a ‘Stream Queen’ – a title that comes with both acclaim and criticism.

The Electric State, in which Brown stars alongside Chris Pratt, has not been warmly received by critics. Described by The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey as “punishingly obvious and completely incoherent,” the film’s one-star reviews have been echoed by many others. The movie, which centres around two hollow characters moving aimlessly through a barren plot, seems to be yet another forgettable venture in Brown’s recent streak of Netflix productions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka’s involvement in SS Rajamouli’s next film has been the talk of the town

Getty images

Priyanka Chopra celebrates Holi on the sets of SS Rajamouli’s film 'SSMB29', shares images

Priyanka Chopra is back in India to celebrate one of the country’s most beloved festivals, Holi, and this time, she is combining work and festivity on the sets of her upcoming project with acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli. The Bollywood star, who is known for her international fame and achievements, gave fans a sneak peek into her colourful Holi celebrations, sharing her joy and excitement about being part of such a massive project.

Priyanka Chopra’s Holi celebration on set

Taking to Instagram, Priyanka shared a few photos of her Holi celebrations on the sets of Rajamouli’s upcoming film. The images depicted her in a casual and light-hearted mood, her cheeks covered in vibrant hues of pink and orange, clearly embracing the spirit of the festival. She captioned the post, “It's a working Holi for us. Here's wishing everyone celebrating a very Happy Holi full of laughter and togetherness with your loved ones.”

Keep ReadingShow less