On Guru Dutt’s 98th birth anniversary, we are remembering the legendary filmmaker, his rich and unusual friendship with Dev Anand and his troubled relationship with the camera, cinema and public life.

Born on July 9, 1925, the auteur-director died by suicide in 1965. Despite not receiving the recognition he deserved, Guru Dutt's passion for art was vividly expressed through his diverse filmography, spanning a mere 39 years. His impressive repertoire included timeless classics such as Pyaasa, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Kaagaz Ke Phool, as well as captivating entertainers like Baazi, Jaal, Aar Paar, Mr and Mrs 55, and CID. Upon watching these cinematic masterpieces, it becomes evident that Dutt's talents and contributions to the industry were truly exceptional, making his lack of recognition all the more difficult to comprehend.