Ten Years with Guru Dutt

Guru Dutt is probably the only Indian film-maker who within the parameters of the box office made a personal statement with his cinema. His films stand testimony not only to his own genius but also to the creativity of his team comprising stalwarts like cameraman V.K. Murthy music director S.D. Burman and writer Abrar Alvi among others. InTen Years with Guru Dutt Abrar Alvi's Journey Sathya Saran looks at the tumultuous yet incredibly fecund relationship between the mercurial director and his equally talented albeit unsung writer-a partnership that evolved over a decade until Dutt's tragic death in 1964. Starting his career as a driver and chaperone to Dutt's producer on the sets ofBaaz Abrar soon caught the attention of the director with his sharp ear for and understanding of film dialogue. WithAar Paar in 1954 Abrar rewrote the rules of dialogue-writing in Hindi cinema until then marked by theatricality and artificiality. He followed it up with masterpieces likeMr and Mrs 55Pyaasa andKaagaz Ke Phool before donning the director's mantle with great success inSahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. Brimming with lively anecdotes on how Abrar honed his skills by writing more than 300 love letters how an accident involving a buffalo led to the discovery of Waheeda Rehman and Guru Dutt's visit to akotha to get the ambience right forPyaasa this acclaimed book is a warm and insightful look at two remarkable artistes who inspired each other to create movie magic. About the Author Sathya Saran is one of India's leading journalists and best known for her stint as editor of the popular women's magazineFemina. Apart from short stories and a series of biographies on cinema and music greats she has written extensively on issues concerning women. She has won a number of awards for her contribution to journalism. She lives in Mumbai with her family and dogs.