Guru Dutt Centenary: Special Screening Revives Classics from Pyaasa to Chaudhvin

Guru Dutt Centenary: This year marks the 100th birth anniversary of one of Indian cinema’s greatest actors, directors, and sensitive storytellers—Guru Dutt. To commemorate the occasion, several of his iconic films will be showcased once again.

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This year, the Indian film industry is celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of the legendary actor, director, and deeply sensitive auteur Guru Dutt. To simply call his cinematic journey “classic” would be an understatement—he lived cinema, weaving together pain, love, loneliness, and rebellion into a visual language that remains just as relevant today.

Guru Dutt, whose real name was Vasanth Kumar Shivashankar Padukone, was born on 9th July 1925 in Bangalore (now Bengaluru). Though his career spanned just a few years, the artistic heights he achieved are forever etched in the history of Indian cinema. His films were not only technically ahead of their time but also touched the depths of human emotion—like poetry or a soulful ghazal.

Timeless Films Return in 4K on His Birth Centenary

To mark the centenary of Guru Dutt (born July 9, 1925), NFDC (National Film Development Corporation) and NFAI (National Film Archive of India) have partnered with Ultra Media & Entertainment to present his most iconic films in 4K restored versions across select theatres in India. This special screening will take place between 8th to 10th August 2025.

Here are the timeless masterpieces set to return:

• Aar-Paar (1954): A unique blend of crime and romance.

• Mr. & Mrs. 55 (1955): A clash between modern thinking and traditional values. The chemistry between Madhubala and Guru Dutt remains evergreen.

• Pyaasa (1957): A soul-stirring tale of a sensitive poet. Sahir Ludhianvi’s lyrics and S.D. Burman’s music makes this an immortal classic.

Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960): A love story set in the elegant charm of Lucknow. The title track “Chaudhvin Ka Chand Ho…” still tops romantic playlists.

• Sahab Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962): A poignant depiction of a woman’s suffering and the fall of the feudal system. Meena Kumari’s unparalleled performance and the heartfelt dialogues elevate it to legendary status.

All these films have been digitally restored in 4K to allow modern audiences to feel the same emotional intensity they evoked during their original release.

Gauri Dutt and Karuna Dutt Express Their Joy

Guru Dutt’s granddaughters, Gauri Dutt and Karuna Dutt, expressed their happiness on witnessing a classic like Pyaasa return to the big screen. For them, this isn’t just a re-release—it’s a way to connect Guru Dutt’s soul with a new generation.

Ultra Media CEO Sushil Kumar Agarwal Shares Insights

Sushil Kumar Agarwal, CEO of Ultra Media & Entertainment, shared that while the films could have been released in July, the team decided to wait until the 4K versions were fully perfected. He believes that classic films attract three types of audiences—traditional cinema lovers, new-age filmmakers, and young viewers who have heard about these films but never had the chance to experience them.

A Mirror to Society

Guru Dutt wasn’t just an actor or director—he was a visionary. Through his cinema, he portrayed society, relationships, and internal struggles with profound sensitivity. His films went far beyond entertainment—they made audiences think and reflect.

Tragically, this immensely gifted artist passed away at the young age of 39. He died on 10th October 1964, leaving behind a void in Indian cinema. Yet the flame he lit continues to burn brightly.

Guru Dutt Lives On

Guru Dutt’s films are not just visuals—they are emotional experiences. The return of his films to the big screen on his centenary is proof that true art never dies; it only grows deeper with time. His cinema continues to breathe with us—like a poet, narrating life through the language of the camera.

From the entire Mayapuri family, heartfelt tributes to Guru Dutt Ji! Your cinema will forever remain the heartbeat of our souls and the language of our emotions.

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