Guru Dutt @ 100: Remembering the timeless auteur through his iconic films

Guru Dutt was a legendary filmmaker, who directed, produced and acted in some of the biggest classics of Hindi cinema. On his 100th birthday, here are some of his most memorable films: "Pyaasa" (1957): His dream project and one that's for the cinema history books, "Pyaasa" features Guru Dutt as a disillusioned poet. It also has biographical elements as it document's his father's failed creative ambition to become a writer. The movie gave immortal songs such as "Ye Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaaye To Kya", "Jaane Vo Kaise Log The", "Ham Aapki Aankhon Mein", "Jaane Kya Tune Kahi" as well as "Sar Jo Tera Chakaraye". Actors Mala Sinha, Waheeda Rehman and Rehman also starred in the movie.

"Kaagaz Ke Phool" (1959): The movie was a box office disaster when it was released in theatres. Guru Dutt was so heartbroken by its failure that he never directed again. But today, it is counted amongst Hindi cinema's most loved classics.

Like "Pyaasa", it also carries a lot of biographical elements, especially his broken marriage and his own dissatisfaction with his creative endeavours. A filmmaker with a muse and a broken home who is driven to alcoholism and dies alone on a movie set. It was India's first film produced in CinemaScope and is recognised as 'Greatest Musical of 1959' by the British Film Institute. The film is also lauded for its technical prowess.

"Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" (1962): One of his last films as a producer and again a dream project. He convinced Bengali novelist Bimal Mitra to not only lend his book for a movie adaptation but also write its screenplay. The movie was directed by Dutt's close friend, Abrar Alvi. It is set in Bengal and revolves around a neglected wife in the decadent feudal household. Guru Dutt plays a servant who comes to empathise with the loneliness of the woman. It is one of the most iconic performances of Meena Kumari. The film also stars Waheeda Rehman as Jaba and Rehman as Meena Kumari's screen husband.

"Aar Paar" (1954): Dutt directed and starred in the movie alongside his friend and comedian Johnny Walker, Shyama, Shakila, Jagdeep and Jagdish Sethi. A commercial venture, the movie was themed as a noir-comedy and followed a street-smart cab driver romancing two women.

It is Guru Dutt's spin on the tramp-with-a-golden-heart concept. The movie was a hit and featured popular tracks such as "Babuji Dheere Chalna" and "Ye Lo Main Haari Piya", both sung by Dutt's singer-wife Geeta Dutt, as well as the often remixed "Kabhi Aar, Kabhi Paar" by Shamshad Begum.

"Chaudhvin Ka Chand" (1960): Directed by Mohammed Sadiq and produced by Dutt, the 1960 was the filmmaker's biggest commercial hit and saved his production company from bankruptcy after the box office failure of "Kaagaz Ke Phool". The film was in the genre of "Muslim social" popular at the time. It featured Dutt, Waheeda Rehman and Rehman in a love triangle. The film is still remembered for its evergreen title track by Mohammad Rafi.

"Baazi" (1951): Starring Guru Dutt's friend Dev Anand and Geeta Bali, this 1951 film marked his directorial debut. The movie's success shaped the future noir movies in Hindi cinema that came to be known as "Bombay noir". The film revolves around Madan, played by Anand, a gambler who is framed for a murder of a dancer that he knew.

"Mr. & Mrs. '55" (1955): A romantic comedy about a struggling cartoonist and modern heiress, played by Dutt and Madhubala, the film is known for the chemistry between its lead characters. The story revolves around themes of love, marriage, and gender roles.

"Jaal" (1952): The crime noir, directed by Dutt, starred Dev Anand and Geeta Bali. It was set in a fishing village in Goa and followed a woman, named Maria, who falls for the charming and mysterious Tony. "Baaz" (1953): The movie, which Dutt directed, marked his acting debut and also starred Geeta Bali and K. N. Singh. The film revolves around the story of a young woman named Neelu who finds herself torn between two men: a police inspector and a notorious criminal.

"Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi" (1966): The romantic tragedy was Dutt's last film and was released after his death. Directed by Shaheed Latif, the movie was reshot with it stars Dharmendra, Mala Sinha, Tanuja, Deven Verma, Rehman and Johnny Walker. Dutt was the producer and Dharmendra replaced Dutt as the lead post his death at the age of 39 on October 10, 1964. The film explores a love triangle between a reporter and two sisters who love him.