Guru Dutt

Guru Dutt - Guru Dutt is one of those Indian actors who made a mark in the world of Indian cinema in a short span of time. Through his acting skills, Guru Dutt reflected the changing social situation of the period. Within his short life, Guru Dutt made some of India's most socially-conscious movies like Pyaasa (957), Kaagaz ke Phool (1960) and Baazi (1951). He is also credited with introducing and propelling Waheeda Rehman to stardom.

Guru Dutt worked in a period that symbolized transition. During the fifties, India was embarking on massive industrialization under Nehru's brand of socialism. Many people believed that changes introduced by industrialization were undermining the traditional Indian values. These changes were creating migration, dislocation and competition. It is remarkable that most of Guru Dutt's movies reflected these changes. "Pyaasa" is one of those movies of his genre. Inspired by Sarat Chandra's novel Srikanta, Pyaasa depicts the romance between a poet and a prostitute.

Guru Dutt was born in the year 1925 at Mangalore. He received his early education at Calcutta. Guru Dutt learned dancing at Uday Shankar's India Cultural Centre at Almora for two years. After moving to Bombay he entered the world of cinema. Guru Dutt started his journey in the film industry as a choreographer with the film 'Hum Ek Hain'.

Guru Dutt's stint as an actor began with the film 'Lakhrani' in 1944. With "Baazi" Guru Dutt became a director but it was 'Aar Paar'(1954) that established him as a director. He also proved his acting mettle by playing the hero in the film. During this period of time Guru Dutt married the popular playback singer, Geeta Roy. Some of Guru Dutt's other notable films were "Kagaz Ke Phool", "Chaudvin Ka Chaand" and "Sahab Bibi Aur Ghulam". Guru Dutt's brilliant career came to a premature end with his suicide, following a long-drawn-out struggle with alcoholism, in 1964.

Guru Dutt's Landmark Films