Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa Returns To Theatres

guru dutt pyaasa returns to theatres

Guru Dutt’s timeless 1957 classic Pyaasa will be shown at PVR-Inox theatres in several major cities as part of its ongoing initiative, The Nostalgic Show. This weekend, on April 20 and 21, Pyaasa will be screened at the PVR-Inox theatres in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Rourkela, Cochin, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

Speaking on Pyaasa, Mahesh Bhatt says, “Pyaasa passionately explored the human situation through the eyes of an angst-ridden poet. It showed us how fickle public adulation and fame are. It exuded the fragrance of sorrow. It was made by a filmmaker who had suffered a broken heart.”

Adds Hansal Mehta, “Pyaasa is my favourite Guru Dutt film. An artiste’s predicament was portrayed with such passion and mastery over the medium. The film was wistful, poetic, and so personal.”

Director Onir feels “Pyaasa is beautifully crafted.Gulabo, portrayed by Waheeda Rehman, is one of the most memorable characters in our cinema. Waheeda defied the definition of a heroine. As an artiste I identify with Guru Dutt’s deep angst at the sacrifice of art for commerce.”

Director Prawaal Raman thinks “Pyaasa had the guts to explore the façade behind fame, success, and perceived glory. The film was rational in thought and not prejudiced in respecting a prostitute for her integrity and honesty. Pyaasa exposed the malaise of collective surrender where individual opinion is not respected.”

Waheeda Rehman, who played the poignant part of the prostitute Gulabo in Pyaasa, attributes the timelessness of the film to its performances, songs, and direction. “The disillusionment of the youth in post-Partition India was beautifully epitomized in Pyaasa. My Gulabo was a favourite character. I didn’t have to do much. I just followed the director’s instructions. In the famous song Jaane kya main kahi jaane kya tune suni, it was the director who told me how to emote to the song. I just followed his expressions and movements. I was always a good student.”