On July 9, the film industry commemorated the 100th birth anniversary of Guru Dutt, one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. Though he passed away at the young age of 38, his contributions have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. Discussions about a biopic dedicated to Guru Dutt have gained momentum, with several leading stars expressing interest in portraying him.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Expressed Desire to Play Guru Dutt
In March 2016, a tweet highlighted the potential for a sensitive biopic on the lives of Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt, suggesting directors like Imtiaz Ali or Mani Ratnam could helm the project. The tweet also proposed Shah Rukh Khan to play Guru Dutt, praising his ability to capture complex emotions.
“ripe for a sensitive biopic made by say Imtiaz Ali or Mani Ratnam” — Journalist
“And no one other than @iamsrk to play guru dutt. To portray anger, romance, devastation.” — Journalist
Responding enthusiastically, Shah Rukh Khan tweeted,
“Absolutely. I should do it. And as u lovingly say my friend my face is like a beautiful poem…in black & white.” — Shah Rukh Khan, Actor
The discussions around SRK’s involvement continued, and during the promotions of his film Raees in early 2017, reports emerged linking him to a biopic on poet Sahir Ludhianvi directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, titled Gustakhiyan. While SRK did not confirm those reports, he openly expressed his wish to portray Guru Dutt if given the opportunity.
“You’ve never done a biopic. If you did, who would you like to play?” — Interviewer
“I’d love to essay Guru Dutt saab’s life” — Shah Rukh Khan, Actor
Aamir Khan’s Involvement and Photoshoot Tribute
Alongside Shah Rukh Khan’s interest, Aamir Khan was involved in a notable homage to Guru Dutt. He, along with Katrina Kaif, recreated the iconic pose from the film Pyaasa (1957), originally starring Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman. This photoshoot was part of CineBlitz Gold’s coffee-table book
“Love & Longing in Hindi Cinema,”
celebrating the magazine’s 35th anniversary, sparking rumors that a remake of the classic film was underway.
At the launch event, Aamir Khan reflected on the experience, saying,
“I looked at the photograph (of Pyaasa) very closely and I tried to be in that headspace of the photograph and understand what I could feel from watching Guru Dutt ji in that moment.” — Aamir Khan, Actor
Filmmaker Karan Johar, present at the event, praised Aamir’s portrayal in the photoshoot and expressed hope for a film on Guru Dutt’s life.
“Aamir portrays Guru Dutt so effortlessly. When I saw the image, I didn’t know it was a part of (a) book. I thought they were coming up with a film on the life of Guru Dutt, which I think is a brilliant idea!” — Karan Johar, Filmmaker
“This is a superb shot, very reminiscent of (Guru Dutt), who I believe was the king of romance in Indian cinema. Every bit of Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), every frame of Pyaasa and every poignancy of Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) resonates romance. So, I think this is a befitting portrayal of romance.” — Karan Johar, Filmmaker
Endorsement from Cinematographer V K Murthy on Aamir’s Suitability
V K Murthy, the chief cinematographer for eight of Guru Dutt’s films, lauded Aamir Khan as the only actor capable of truly embodying Guru Dutt. In a 2010 interview, Murthy emphasized Aamir’s uniqueness in Indian cinema and his dedication to craft.
“I don’t get impressed by actors easily but Aamir is in a different league. Lagaan (2001) and Taare Zameen Par (2007) are classics of Indian cinema. Aamir does not follow the Bollywood formula and is very passionate about his work. He reminds me of Guru Dutt…I was very close to Guru Dutt and he was a man of depth. Only a perfectionist like Aamir can do justice to him.” — V K Murthy, Chief Cinematographer
Anurag Kashyap’s Script and the Shelved Biopic Project
Aamir Khan’s potential to portray Guru Dutt extended beyond the photoshoot. Anurag Kashyap had penned a biopic script on Guru Dutt’s life, with Shivendra Singh Dungarpur set to direct. Shivendra Singh, now known for restoring classics and leading the Film Heritage Foundation, had the support of Guru Dutt’s family for the project. Arun Dutt, Guru Dutt’s son, revealed that Aamir had been approached and had requested to review the script. Despite these promising developments, the project was put on hold indefinitely for reasons that remain undisclosed.
Aamir Khan shared a personal connection with Guru Dutt’s family as well, particularly with Lalita Lajmi, Guru Dutt’s sister. Lalita’s daughter, filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi, had also planned a biopic on Guru Dutt. However, upon learning of the Kashyap–Dungarpur project, she stepped away to avoid overlapping efforts.
“My mother told me that Anurag Kashyap is scripting and Shivendra Singh is directing the film. They’ve informed my mother that it won’t be fictional but a biopic on my uncle. My uncle’s only living heir Arun Dutt has also given his nod to the project. So, we’re all for it.” — Kalpana Lajmi, Filmmaker
Impact and Future Prospects for the Guru Dutt Biopic
The enduring interest from leading stars like Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, coupled with the involvement of filmmakers such as Anurag Kashyap and Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, showcases the deep respect and fascination for Guru Dutt’s life and work. Although the biopic project stalled, the conversations and tributes keep his legacy alive. Given the enthusiasm from key figures in Bollywood and the support from Guru Dutt’s family, there remains hope that a definitive biopic capturing the complexities of his life may still come to fruition.
This renewed attention to Guru Dutt on his birth centenary not only honors his contributions but also highlights the willingness of contemporary cinema to revisit its history with sensitivity and depth, promising meaningful storytelling ahead.
