Some Unfulfilled Dreams Of The Enigma Called Guru Dutt

His iconic films of the 50s and 60s have become a benchmark in the Indian cinema. Straddling between the arthouse and popular cinema, his films toured the darkness with the lyrical dialogues and impressive cinematography. An auteur par excellence, Guru Dutt, always had the thirst for his love for the art called cinema.

Born on July 9, 1925, near Bangalore, to erudite, middle-class parents, Guru Dutt was enamoured by dancing. After a stint at Uday Shankar’s Dance Academy in Almora, Guru Dutt got the job of a telephone operator in Kolkata. But he disengaged himself from the job soon and bagged his first film assignment as choreographer, in Lakhrani (1945) followed by Hum Ek Hain (1946). The latter brought him in close contact with Dev Anand who was also a newcomer then. They shared a pact that if Dev ever produced a film, Guru Dutt would direct it. If Guru Dutt ever made a film, Dev would star in it. Dev made it first and gave Guru Dutt the promised break as director with Navketan’s Baazi (1951). Thereafter there was no looking back for this maestro.

But the celebrated filmmaker died mysteriously at the young age of 39, caused by an overdose of alcohol and sleeping pills. Leaving behind him a legacy of films like Pyaasa, Chaudhvin ka Chand, Mr & Mrs 55, Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam. His last directorial venture being Kaagaz ke Phool, he had announced many more titles, some of which had started and then abandoned. His untimely death put an end to these masterpieces in the making, abruptly. His thirst for love of cinema remained unquenched.

The most talked about such unfinished film was Baharein Phir Bhi Aayengi (1964). It was left unfinished at the time of his sudden death on 10th October 1964. Some important scenes of this film were done, including the song, “Aapke Haseen Rukh Pe”. Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi was later completed with Dharmendra.

In a similar way, Professor (1962) was first announced by Guru Dutt with Kishore Kumar and Waheeda Rehman as the lead actors. It was later shelved and the story/screenplay was taken over by Lekh Tandon who eventually cast Shammi Kapoor in the lead. Another intended project by Guru Dutt was Raaz, with Waheeda Rehman in a double role. This was adapted from Wilkie Collins classic, The Woman in White. The film first had Sunil Dutt as an army doctor only to be replaced by Guru Dutt, later. Composer R D Burman was making his debut through Raaz supposedly. But after shooting a few reels, Guru Dutt shelved the film. It is said that Raj Khosla later worked on the script of Raaz and made Woh Kaun Thi.

Guru Dutt’s iconic Pyaasa which is known for its beautiful music and heart wrenching lyrics, had one Geeta Dutt song omitted from the film.

Another film which remained in the cans is Picnic, starring Guru Dutt and Sadhana. Of all that remains from Picnic are the 2 songs. A duet picturised on Guru Dutt and Sadhana, rendered by Rafi and Asha and a cabaret picturised on Helen rendered by Asha again. Music by N. Dutta.

Post the release of Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam, Guru Dutt had also announced a film called Kaneez. It starred Simi Garewal and was based on the Arabian Nights adventures. It was supposed to be the first colour film by him.

One of his most talked about unfinished films remains Love and God. A Laila – Majnu epic, with Guru Dutt and Nimmi in the lead. Sanjeev Kumar took over the role of Majnu after Guru Dutt’s death.

Among all the projects above, Guru Dutt’s most ambitious project was Gouri (1957) which was to launch his wife Geeta Dutt. Her acting debut. It was to have been directed by Guru Dutt and was a bilingual ( Bengali & English) It would have been India’s first film in the cinema scope instead of his Kaagaz ke Phool

Eventually, there was also a song recorded for Gouri in Geeta Dutt’s voice – O Jani Bhromora Keno. The song has an earlier version sung by music director S D Burman. This very tune was later used in Dr. Vidya for the song – Jani, tum toh dole!!

Guru Dutt had his own style, he launched the careers of many artists. Dev Anand called Guru Dutt his only friend in the industry. Talking about him, Dev Anand once said,

When I first met him, mujhe aisa lagaa ki bohut lambi daud daundenge hum saath mein, par woh apne mein kaheen kho gaya. He should have made more films. He had so much in him. Thirty-nine is not an age to die. Zindagi ki daud mein uske jaisa dost phir kabhi nahin mila