Guru Dutt made hauntingly beautiful cinema. His films dabbled in themes, characters and undercurrents that carved a niche in the post-Independence era, while also nudging the audience to think beyond entertainment. Much like his own mental health struggles and financial constraints, the characters in his movies scrambled for inner peace and compassion. A visionary cinema legend, Guru Dutt chose a quiet, intense and reflective style of storytelling, at a time when song-and-dance movies gained more footfall in the theatres. He constantly pushed creative boundaries making way for narratives that to date inspire film students and the audience alike. On his birth centenary, let’s roll back the clock to celebrate some of the finest works of the legendary actor-filmmaker…

Baazi – 1951

Guru Dutt’s directorial debut Baazi – starring Dev Anand – marks the beginning of a new genre in Indian cinema, called Bombay Noir. The crime thriller went on to become a huge success, with its music – composed by SD Burman – still resonating with people. Also featuring Geeta Bali and Kalpana Kartik in the lead, Baazi is emblematic of Guru Dutt and Dev Anand’s long-standing friendship.

Jaal – 1952

Another blockbuster crime noir directed by Guru Dutt, Jaal is remembered for introducing the first-of-its-kind grey characters in Hindi cinema. The 1952 movie – starring KN Singh, Geeta Bali, Purnima Das Verma and Dev Anand – featured an anti-hero with ‘no qualms about bending moral codes’. Jaal was also a musical hit, with popular compositions by SD Burman.

Aar Paar – 1954

Starring Guru Dutt, Shyama and Shakila, Aar Paar is a noir comedy with OP Nayyar’s music and Majrooh Sultanpuri’s lyrics. The 1954 film’s album is considered among the best of the golden age of Hindi cinema. Guru Dutt directed the movie, with assistance from his brother Atma Ram and Raj Khosla. The film is also known for its eclectic mix of characters speaking a variety of languages.

Mr. & Mrs. 55 – 1955

One of the few romcoms that Guru Dutt directed, Mr. & Mrs. 55 is also considered a socially relevant film. The 1955 movie features Madhubala and Guru Dutt as the lead characters, alongside Lalita Pawar, Johnny Walker and Vinita Bhatt. The film’s popular music was composed by OP Nayyar, with Majrooh Sultanpuri as the lyricist. Did you know RK Laxman had drawn the cartoons for the film?

Pyaasa – 1957

Revered as one of his finest and most intense films, Pyaasa stars Guru Dutt, Mala Sinha and Waheeda Rehman. Centred on a disillusioned Urdu poet, the 1957 drama film is also directed by Guru Dutt, while the combined genius of SD Burman, Sahir Ludhianvi, Geeta Dutt and Mohammed Rafi make it a musical masterpiece. A cult classic, Pyaasa is considered among the greatest films in Indian cinema.

Kaagaz Ke Phool – 1959

Arguably Guru Dutt’s last directorial, Kaagaz Ke Phool was way ahead of its time. It was the first Indian movie made in CinemaScope, marking a significant milestone in the field of cinematography. However, the 1959 movie failed to impress the audience, which is said to have deeply affected Guru Dutt. SD Burman composed the film’s music, with lyrics by Kaifi Azmi and Shailendra. It starred Waheeda Rehman and Guru Dutt.

Chaudhvin Ka Chand -1960

With Guru Dutt, Rehman and Waheeda Rehman in the lead, Chaudhvin Ka Chand’s music is composed by Ravi, while the lyrics are written by Shakeel Badayuni. The Mohammed Sadiq-directed movie is a love triangle drama. Following the lukewarm response to Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand was a rebound, turning out to be one of the top-grossing movies of 1960.

Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam – 1952

Meena Kumari, Rehman, Waheeda Rehman and Guru Dutt star in the 1962 musical drama film, directed by Abrar Alvi. Hemant Kumar composed its music, with some memorable lyrics penned by Shakeel Badayuni. Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam was not a commercial hit, but the movie was critically acclaimed. The lead cast’s performance and VK Murthy’s cinematography were particularly appreciated.