Mumbai: As legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt turns 100 today, his younger brother Devi Dutt recalls the man behind cinematic masterpieces like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam — a perfectionist with a fiery temper but a magnetic heart.
“He’d often lose his cool on set but would make peace in no time,” Devi shared. “I still have the wristwatch he gifted me on my wedding day.”
Despite being 13 years younger, Devi worked closely with Guru Dutt — starting in the sound department, eventually handling production. “He’d scold me in front of others to make me stronger. Our mother supported me, but he always said, ‘He must become a good producer.’”
One striking memory: Pyaasa’s original ending failed at the box office. After feedback from a viewer — a sex worker — Guru Dutt reshot the ending with Waheeda Rehman. The change made the film a 25-week success.
Though Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool dominate his legacy, Devi feels gems like Baaz, Aar Paar, and Mr. & Mrs. 55 deserve more recognition. He also confirmed Kaagaz Ke Phool drew from Guru Dutt’s life — a reason music director SD Burman refused to collaborate further.
A sports fan and animal lover, Guru Dutt was deeply attached to his kids — especially daughter Nina. The night before his death, he was planning Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi with Dharmendra, who charged just ₹1.50 for the role.
“If he were alive, he’d still tell the story of the struggling man,” Devi concluded.