The golden era of Indian cinema — the 1950s to the 60s — witnessed the rise of one maestro, Guru Dutt.
Sathya Saran talks about her new book, Ten Years With Guru Dutt — Abrar Alvi's Journey, which was launched on July 9
The golden era of Indian cinema — the 1950s to the 60s — witnessed the rise of one maestro, Guru Dutt. And on his 44th death anniversary on July 9, Sathya Saran, the editor of DNA's ME magazine launched her book, Ten Years With Guru Dutt – Abrar Alvi's Journey, which encapsulates the life of the great Indian legend through the eyes of Abrar Alvi, writer, director and close companion of Guru Dutt.
She got the idea from an article in a daily newspaper, which carried an interview with Abrar, who spoke about Guru Dutt. Recounting the experience, Sathya says, "Though I had my crush on Dev Anand and other contemporaries, the enigma that is Guru Dutt always intrigued me." Capturing 10 years of Abrar's life with Guru Dutt, exploring the professional as well as the personal relationship the two shared, the book is a film buff's delight. Besides Abrar's experiences, the narrative is layered with comment, criticism and observations by the author.
In the course of her interaction with Abrar, Sathya realised that she had too much on her plate, hence the interviews, which were to take form of a series of articles, eventually sought justification in this book. "It gave me a new dimension to exist… and escape from a few unwanted ones," she says.
Sathya also discovered a fascinating personality in the man who always grappled in the shadow of Guru Dutt, and never got his due credit. "Abrar is immensely talented; but, he never got his due which made him a frustrated and angry man." His directorial credit over Saahib Bibi Aur Gulaam always remained a subject of controversy.
The book also contains anecdotes of famous Bollywood personalities who formed the core team of most Guru Dutt films. "Guru Dutt had a very ‘Puckish’ sense of humour. He loved playing pranks." This trait of Guru Dutt, Sathya feels, lends an air of ambiguity and twist to his sudden and tragic death believed to be a suicide.
It has been an eventful journey for Sathya. She says, "I see myself as an important instrument in the recording of an extremely important phase in the history of Indian cinema. I think it's a privilege." Priced at Rs 499, the book is available at all leading bookstores.
h_ansari@dnaindia.net
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