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Waheeda Rehman Reflects on Guru Dutt's Timeless Genius and Filmmaking Era

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman, in an interview with Simi Garewal, reflected on whether legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt was ahead of his time. She noted that while films like 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' were considered advanced, 'Pyaasa' succeeded commercially against low expectations. Rehman agreed with Garewal's observation that Dutt's meticulous, slow-paced filmmaking style would struggle in today's fast-moving industry. She contrasted the painstaking approach of classic directors with the time constraints faced by modern artists.

Key Points: Waheeda Rehman on Guru Dutt's Timeless Cinema Legacy

  • Guru Dutt's films considered ahead of their time
  • Pyaasa defied box office expectations
  • Contrast with today's fast-paced filmmaking
  • Rehman's iconic collaborations with Dutt
  • Influence of directors like Bimal Roy
2 min read

When Waheeda Rehman shared if Guru Dutt was ahead of his time

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman discusses if filmmaker Guru Dutt was ahead of his time in a candid chat with Simi Garewal, reflecting on classics like Pyaasa.

"Today, the world is moving so fast that people do not have time. He was someone to sit back. - Waheeda Rehman"

Mumbai, April 19

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman talked about the celebrated filmmaker and actor, Guru Dutt, during her appearance on the popular chat show "Rendezvous With Simi Garewal".

Turning back the clock, when host Simi Garewal asked Waheeda Rehman if Guru Dutt was ahead of his time, the veteran actress shared that while his movies 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool' were considered a little advanced, "Pyaasa" ended up working at the box office despite having no expectations.

Simi was heard saying during the episode, "Some historians say that Guru Dutt came into this world 4 decades too early. Do you agree with that?"

Waheed Rehman replied saying "I don't know, it is difficult to say. For 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam' and 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', people said that he made the movie before its time, but when 'Pyaasa' came, people said that the film would release on Friday and would fold by Monday, but it ended up working. So, it is very difficult to say."

Simi also commented that "I don't think Guru Dutt would have been able to survive in today's world."

Agreeing with her, Waheeda Rehman added, "Today, the world is moving so fast that people do not have time. He was someone to sit back. Not only Guru Dutt ji, but I would say even Bimal Roy, Asif Sahab, they used to take 2 days just to light a shot. Today, the artists do not have such kind of time."

It must be noted that Waheeda Rehman starred in many iconic films directed or produced by Guru Dutt, including "Pyaasa", "Kaagaz Ke Phool", "Chaudhvin Ka Chand, "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam", and "C.I.D".

Considered one of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema, Guru Dutt is believed to have been influenced by Alfred Hitchcock during his initial days.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who discovered Guru Dutt's work while studying world cinema, I find this fascinating. "Pyaasa" is a masterpiece that resonates globally. It's interesting to hear that even back then, there was a debate about whether his vision was too advanced for the audience. True artists often are.
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Vikram M
My grandfather used to say that watching "Kaagaz Ke Phool" in the theatre was a surreal experience. The visuals, the melancholy... it was unlike anything else. Today's directors should revisit these films to understand visual storytelling. The man was a genius, no doubt.
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Priya S
While I adore the classics, I respectfully disagree with the notion that artists today don't have time or care less. The medium and economics have changed. We have brilliant filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap or Vishal Bhardwaj who pour their soul into their work, just in a different ecosystem.
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Rohit P
"Pyaasa" working at the box office gives me hope! It shows that sometimes, the audience does recognize profound art. "Jinhe naaz hai hind par woh kahaan hain?" That line is still so powerful. We need more cinema that questions and reflects, not just entertains.
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Nikhil C
Simi Garewal's show was iconic for these deep-dive conversations. You don't get this quality on today's chat shows which are all about promotions and gossip. Miss this era of television and cinema both. Thanks for sharing this bit of history!

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