Casting Guru Dutt: Why Kollywood courted the brooding Bollywood romantic
Apart from his short lifespan of 39 years, filmmaker and actor
Guru Dutt
had this in common with the epochal Tamil poet Subrahmanya Bharati: like the latter, he received recognition and apotheosis only after his death.
Even as Bharati's seminal lines of poetry are eternally etched in the Tamil consciousness, the songs of Dutt's films project evergreen lyrical hues of great human significance.
Who can forget Pyaasa's anthemic refrain penned for Dutt by the incomparable
Sahir Ludhianvi
, 'Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaaye tho kya hai' (To what avail is personal victory in a world bereft of human values)?
More directly underscoring the Tamil literature connection of Dutt was his little-known fascination for the work of the prince-turned ascetic and poet, Ilango, and his urge to picturise his epic 'Silappadhikaram' with Waheeda Rehman playing the role of Madhavi, the other woman in the life of the epic's protagonist Kovalan, who suffered the tragic fate of decapitation for a crime he did not commit.
But that was not to be because of Dutt's untimely death in October 1964, either due to a deliberate or involuntary overdose of alcohol and sleeping pills.
Known as the grand master of romantic gloom and the alchemist who transformed commercial Hindi cinema's pedestrian formulas through his individualism, artistry, and vision, Dutt's reputation skyrocketed in the decades after his demise, with Time magazine listing his 'Pyaasa' (1958) among the hundred all-time great films of world cinema in 2005.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik
IC Markets
Pelajari
Undo
In the early 1960s, consequent on the resounding failure of his ambitious 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', India's first cinemascope film in 1959, after the commercial and critical success of 'Pyaasa', Dutt became chary of directing films and preferred to essay roles rather than wield the megaphone, though there is speculation that he might have ghost-directed some parts of his successful film 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' (1962), which he produced and played a significant role in.
It was at this point that South Indian film producers found it opportune to cast the famous but unassuming director-actor in their quickly made Hindi films based on proven regional language subjects. Guru Dutt too, tired of the tempests raging in his life, both because of his difficult relationship with his wife Geeta Dutt, as well as his growing attachment to Waheeda Rehman, whom he groomed as a heroine, found working in the efficient Kodambakkam studios to his liking.
The first South Indian Hindi film in which Guru Dutt played the male lead was 'Bahurani' (1963), which features a gutsy young wife standing up for her newly-wed, somewhat mentally challenged husband, against her violent brother-in-law. The film had been earlier made in Telugu as 'Ardhangi' (1955) and in Tamil as 'Pennin Perumai' (1956). In the Tamil version, Gemini Ganesan essayed the role played by Guru Dutt in the Hindi remake.
Guru Dutt was directed in the film by the veteran Telugu-Tamil filmmaker T Prakash Rao, who had such hits as Sivaji Ganesan's 'Uthamaputhiram' (1958) and MGR's 'Padagotti' (1964) to his credit. The film, however, did not make waves.
N Vasudeva Menon, an AVM studio manager who became a producer and studio owner himself, booked Guru Dutt for 'Bharosa' (1963), a remake of the Tamil 'Thedi Vandha Selvam' (1958), an ordinary film about a wronged hero with a golden heart.
It was a role in which Guru Dutt was comfortable, though the film did not have much to write home about.
The famous producer A L Srinivasan, known for his connections with Hindi film personalities and all-India film trade bodies, liked Dutt so much that he booked him for 'Suhagan' (1964), the Hindi remake of his own Tamil hit production, 'Sarada' (1962), which deals with a husband who can have physical relations with his wife only at the risk of dying.
Director K S Gopalakrishnan had been fearful of directing a filmmaker of Dutt's stature, but the latter put him at ease.
More than 'Suhagan', it was the time Dutt spent with Gopalakrishnan in his village, Malliyam, near Mayiladuthurai, that proved unforgettable. Gopalakrishnan's associate, the respected dramatist and writer Komal Swaminathan, recalled Dutt's easy manner and friendliness in his memoirs. Dutt would spend hours together in the hot sun angling for fish in a village tank. At a time when prohibition was being firmly implemented in Tamil Nadu, Dutt enjoyed potfuls of country toddy with the relish of sipping his favourite Chivas Regal!
After all this merriment, some in place, some out of place, Dutt's unexpected death came as a shock to the 'Suhagan' unit, and producer ALS had to release the film with the message, "I humbly dedicate this film to the everlasting memory of the late Shri Guru Dutt, my friend and your favourite". Commercial hype apart, Guru Dutt has proved to be one of the great favourites of world cinema.
(The writer is a Chennai-based journalist)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Pawan Kalyan starrer 'OG' to release as scheduled despite delays in other projects: report
Picture Credit: Facebook Actor-deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's films have been facing multiple delays. Recent reports suggest that his much-awaited gangster action drama 'They Call Him OG' of simply 'OG' will hit theatres as scheduled on September 25. With Pawan Kalyan juggling his cinematic and political responsibilities, his film schedules have come under constant scrutiny. His period action drama 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu', directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, was originally expected to be released in June 2025. However, the film has been indefinitely delayed, with no official update on its new release date. This delay led to speculation among fans that his other films might face the same fate, especially 'OG'. 'OG' on track A by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo ccording to a report from Telugu cinema, the production team of 'OG' has clearly stated that the film's release remains unaffected. While speaking to a source the report suggests that there are no changes and 'OG' will be released as announced on September 25. It was also revealed that Pawan Kalyan has already wrapped up his portions for the film, and the current shooting schedule involves other members of the cast. About 'OG' Sujeeth, best known for Prabhas starrer action drama 'Saaho' is directing the upcoming Pawan Kalyan film. It also stars Emraan Hashmi as the primary antagonist, marking his Telugu debut, and Priyanka Mohan as the female lead. Music is composed by Thaman S, who has collaborated with Pawan Kalyan on several hit projects before. The story revolves around Ojas Gambheera, nicknamed 'OG,' a ruthless don who resurfaces in Mumbai after a decade-long disappearance to take on rival crime bosses, including a formidable enemy named Omi Bhau played by Emraan Hashmi. Currently, he is shooting his upcoming cop drama film, 'Ustaad Bhagat Singh' starring Sreeleela and directed by Harish Shankar .
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
10 anime characters stronger than Dragon Ball Super's Zeno without breaking a sweat
Anime is full of overpowered characters, but none are hyped quite like Zeno from Dragon Ball Super—a cute-looking guy with the horrifying power to erase universes with a snap. While he's the strongest in the Dragon Ball universe, that does not necessarily mean he's the strongest in all of anime. Throughout different shows and genres, there are characters with abilities so ridiculous they make Zeno seem constrained. From magical girls who can rewrite reality to god-like entities who manipulate time and space with ease, these characters set a new precedent for what it means to be "all-powerful." Whether it is brute strength, cosmic manipulation, or full-on omnipotence, here are 10 anime characters that defeat Dragon Ball Super's Zeno and would easily defeat him without breaking a sweat. Anime characters who could defeat Dragon Ball Super's Zeno Character Anime Power and Comparison to Zeno Simon the Digger Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Commands galaxy-sized mechs; strength grows unlimited through willpower. Rimuru Tempest That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime God-like reality remaker; grows stronger by absorbing powers. Medaka Kurokami Medaka Box Erases concepts, masters talents instantly; more versatile than Zeno. Bobobo-Bo Bo-Bobo Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Reality-bending gag character; invincible by breaking all rules. Homura Akemi Puella Magi Madoka Magica Universe remodeler with emotional and tactical power surpassing Zeno. Lain Iwakura Serial Experiments Lain Controls information and reality; existentially powerful beyond Zeno. Super Majin Rymus Dragon Ball DAIMA (Fan Series) Created Dragon Ball multiverse; far stronger than Zeno. Haruhi Suzumiya The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Unaware god with chaotic reality control; harder to predict than Zeno. Arceus Pokémon Creator and balancer of Pokémon universe; beyond Zeno's destroyer role. Sailor Moon Sailor Moon (Cosmos Arc) Universe healer and restorer; holds greater moral power than Zeno. Powerful anime characters than Dragon Ball Super's Zeno Simon the Digger | Anime: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann Source: IMDb Simon's strength is not based on divine origin, but on the unbreakable power of human will, which is augmented by Spiral Energy. He commands Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, a mech that is so large it eclipses galaxies and utilizes them as projectiles. Afterwards, he even breaks that shape to command Super Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, which belongs on a meta-multiversal scale. Whereas Zeno is able to annihilate, Simon inspires hope and energy simply by belief alone, so his ability is basically unlimited. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo His continually growing strength is such that he might actually surpass Zeno's destructive limit. Rimuru Tempest | Anime: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Source: Pinterest Rimuru's ultimate form, as shown in the light novels, is god-like and able to remake the very fabric of reality. With Ultimate Skills such as "Azathoth," Rimuru is able to erase ideas, remake reality, and even foretell all possible futures. Unlike Zeno, whose absolute power is fixed, Rimuru is a dynamically changing god, becoming stronger with each foe or concept he absorbs. Medaka Kurokami | Anime: Medaka Box Source: IMDb Medaka is more than a superhuman—she can remove any idea, such as death, time, and reason. Her super ability to acquire any talent and master it instantly puts her in command of all powers conceivable, including powers that transcend physical reality. Her logical mind and control over abstract entities make her significantly more adaptable than Zeno, who uses his erasure power exclusively. Bobobo-Bo Bo-Bobo | Anime: Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo Source: Instagram Bobobo is not subject to the logic of his universe—or any universe. Being a gag anime protagonist, he is governed by the toon force logic, where illogicalness is power. He has the ability to break the fourth wall, cheat death, and change results by sheer arbitrariness. This power based on absurdity might be too much even for Zeno, who exists within a narrative framework. Bobobo's reality bending at a meta level renders him invincible. Homura Akemi | Anime: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Source: Pinterest Homura begins as a magical girl, but by the series' conclusion and its sequel film (Rebellion), she steals Madoka's godhood and remolds the universe to her will. She doesn't manipulate time so much as rebuild existence according to her own emotional schema. Her tactical intellect and tiered reality manipulation could displace Zeno's brute power with tiered causality manipulation. Lain Iwakura | Anime: Serial Experiments Lain Source: IMDb Lain becomes one with "The Wired," a virtual plane that exists on top of reality. She controls information, redraws history, wipes out people from existence, and remains even after she undoes her own reality. Zeno's power is cosmic, but Lain's power is existential. She is consciousness blended with divinity, providing a deeper layer of omnipotence. Super Majin Rymus | Anime: Dragon Ball DAIMA (Fan Series) Source: Instagram Although non-canonical, Rymus is an incredibly strong fan-made character thought to exist before the whole Dragon Ball multiverse. Although Zeno is able to erase, Rymus generates whole realities, including the existence that Zeno lives in. He represents the source code of the Dragon Ball universe, which could put him well beyond the Omni-King. Haruhi Suzumiya | Anime: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Haruhi does not know her abilities, yet her feelings dictate all things to her. She can produce time loops, alternate universes, or recreate the universe completely—all unconsciously. Her lack of control ironically makes her more formidable than Zeno. Whereas Zeno decides to annihilate, Haruhi remodels reality by accident, which is even more difficult to anticipate or resist. Arceus | Anime: Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life Arceus is the originator of the Pokémon universe, creating time, space, and antimatter via Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. The anime makes Arceus merely an avatar of a being from a higher dimension. Although Zeno is a destroyer, Arceus is a balancer and originator with powers spanning across timelines and realities, perhaps even outside Dragon Ball's multiverse. Sailor Moon | Anime: Sailor Moon (Cosmos Arc) Source: IMDb In her ultimate incarnations, Sailor Moon evolves into a goddess capable of bringing people back to life, cleansing and rejuvenating entire universes. She is powered by empathy, which bestows upon her emotional strength that even Zeno does not possess. She does not destroy evil; she saves and restores, a divine quality that places her in an even greater moral and metaphysical position than Zeno.
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
New feature makes dating more social and friend-friendly
Tinder Launches 'Double Date': The New Way to MakeConnections with Your Bestie Tinder has launched a new feature called 'Double Date', allowing users to pair up with a friend and match with other pairs. The update is aimed at making dating more social and less stressful by turning it into a group experience. The feature follows the success of the dating app's other social tools like 'Tinder Matchmaker' and 'Share My Date', which also involve friends and family in the dating process. With Double Date , users can now explore the app in a more relaxed and supportive way, alongside someone they trust. To use the new feature, users tap the feature icon and select up to three friends to form a pair. From there, they swipe through other duos. If either person in a pair likes another pair, and the feeling is mutual, a group chat is created to help start the conversation. Tinder tested the feature in several countries before launch. Results showed that nearly 90% of Double Date profiles came from users under 29, with Gen Z making up over half of Tinder's global user base. Women using the feature were three times more likely to like a pair than individual profiles, and users sent 35% more messages in 'Double Date' chats compared to one-on-one conversations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The new feature also brought in new and returning users. Around 15% of those who accepted a Double Date invitation were either new to the app or had recently reactivated their accounts. Tinder says the new feature aims to make dating more fun and collaborative, especially for younger users. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
