GURU-DEV ARTISTIC BOND !

Hi Folks! It’s been months since I reviewed any classic movie, but then I had little time for watching cinema, and If I got succeeded in plucking some crafty flowers of art from celluloid, I didn't got motivated enough to resonate the aroma in words for the dissection or presentation of that classic piece. 

So I decided that I should not form boundary within this blog, it should become wide & free from that. And I decided that I would also write about the famous classy characters. Now I'm thinking to open the last door of freedom of my expression in such a way that I can write anything and everything which I seems worth writing under the belief that "It's a Classic"

So today on the eve of me buying Romancing with Life, an autobiography of Dev Anand felt compelled to enhance my purview of this man a little bit more. He was not just a great artist and a charming man, but a serious writer too. His way of expressing his true life event in gripping manner was a nice experience till now. I've just started his book and many untold chapters are left to be unfolding in front of me. But then I encountered an article by Mr Murali Gopy about the friendship of Mr Dev Anand & Sir Guru Dutt. 


 Although, I know about great bonding of these two icons of golden era of bollywood for a long time, but I like to stumble back upon these nostalgic years of Indian cinema with zooming from different binoculars & different perspectives.

Why I titled this post like this, because I seriously wish that the two friends would have imbibed a little bit of each other into their self. They were totally opposite to each other, In my words, possibly North Pole & South Pole. But more interesting thing was that they were still inseparable, and Dev Anand even before breathing his last reinforced many a times that Guru Dutt was his only true friend in Indian Film Industry. This friendship proves that how unlike poles attract each other. Their friendship blossomed even after the striking difference in their ideologies & notions about life. A friendship blossomed wherein Dev Anand promised him that if ever he produced a film, Guru Dutt would direct and should Guru direct, Dev would play the leading man! Let’s have a close look on both personalities.

Guru Dutt-Ever Thirsty, an activist, an extreme one, the Intensified, a cynic, a perfectionist, the most gratifying & unsatisfying craftsman of Indian cinema. Dev Anand on the other hand, a synonym for constant Karma, Infinite energy source, God of Optimism, a Charmer, Smiling Enthusiast, Pioneer of Style in India. I would not like to dwell into the much talked about popular incident of their Shirt-exchanging first encounter which made them life & art buddies.

Guru believed in extreme, Success or Failure, Perfection or Pack-up, but no mediocrity at all. Dev believed in optimism, enjoying the process and pathways rather than the destination. So if Guru Dutt song of life is Absolute, Incompleteness in completeness “Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaye to kya hai”, Dev song is completeness in incompleteness “ Mai Zindagi Ka Sath Nibhata Chala Gaya”.

Both have suffered the failure in love. Dev Anand Suraiya was snatched away from him, and Guru’s dream Waheeda was broken half-way. But both have a different way of treating their respective tragedies. Guru has to say, “Jane woh kaise log the jinke pyar ko pyar mila”, And Dev says unapologetically, “ Jo bhi pyar se mila, hum usi ke ho liye”. Guru philosophy was ONE or NONE! Dev philosophy was ONE by ONE!

Believe it or not, but their life account resemble to their choice of art in their films & songs. Guru mostly took personal experience to 70mm screen at will, Dev took the same to screen in conscious or unconscious manner.  Guru was ever ‘PYAASA’ for completeness and disembarked the fake & hypocrite society which he calls ‘KAAGAZ KE PHOOL’, Dev was his own ‘GUIDE’ for his journey to become an eternal romantic ‘PREM PUJARI’.

So their choice of films and stories beautifully resonate their personalities. But sadly, Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam ! Guru passed away so young at age of 39. And that too in Guru-style, again on his own terms, finishing the chapter by himself. Dev died 47 years later at the age of 88. Their death also explains their self further.



If & only if, Dev would have gave him some of his optimism. And if, Guru had injected some of his perfection inside Dev, What beautiful and artistic blend both of them might have proved. Nonetheless, We are fortunate that both friends had a stint rubbing shoulder to shoulder, which we can store and learn from, whether it’s JAAL or BAAJI to start with. Or, the later productions like CID etc. Both helped each other in whichever way they could as they promised in their early heydays. Dev Anand in 1951 gave directorial break to Guru Dutt in BAAJI, and Guru Dutt casted Dev Anand as promised in various ventures as director and producer. They made a good pair together.

Dev Anand, often quoted as the great narcissist, was actually right in loving himself. Guru didn’t loved himself the way Dev did. Otherwise we might have saw the rise of Indian celluloid on his able shoulder even after one-or-two failures, which in that case he would be agreeing to fathom. But Alas, he wasn’t like Dev. He was not even appreciable for the classics he made, which are shelved in the most prestigious libraries of the world. Infact Abrar Alvi, his close writer-friend recollects,

" Frankly none of his films satisfied him as a director.  He always felt that something was missing from his films."

Guru died young but was too mature for his age. Dev died aged but will be considered as forever young. I’m a firm believer in souls & jeev-aatma, So both Dev & Guru might have met now after the escape of latter one from his aged body after a long gap of 47 years since former demise. And if it doesn’t happen like that, Guru will again cry,

“Dekhi zamane ki yaari, Bichde sabhi bari bari….”

                                   CID : Dev Anand & Guru Dutt Successful venture !

DOUBLE DEV DRAMA- (HUM DONO 1961 )

    

   
       This film is undoubtedly blessed with one of the most mesmerizing songs of the century, and I've no qualms in admitting that this movie is a rare species where music overtakes every other aspect of the movie by storm. I mean who can forget the age-old classic "Mai Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya". This song is deep engraved into my soul with all its wisdom of lyrics withheld in it realms. It shows the way to live life at the fullest, and to portray this, who could be the better choice than the legendary Dev Anand himself. In a way, we can sum up the greatness of this movie by only this song, and we have no obligation to touch the other songs or aspects of this classic. The way this song was picturized on Dev Sahab, truly impeccable & flawless. And Mohd Rafi's voice, lyrics of Sahir Ludhianvi & music of Jai Dev were proved to be an eternal combination. I mean no words for Sahir sahab, hats off to this God of lyricism. The Film was released in 1961, and both technically, and execution wise, ahead of its time. One thing I observed about Navketan banner, their penchant for War theme, and working with almost the same team, Like Sahir Ludhianvi & musical team, Gajanand Jagirdar who played important charachter Bhola in Guide, is totally different here as a rich Industrialist. Even Rashid khan, who was literally in every movie of Dev Anand I recall of 50s, whether it's Taxi Driver, Nau Do Gyarah, or Hum Dono. He always played small cameo in Navketan banner. Let's come back to HD- Hum Dono.

      The story starts with another gem of a song, "Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar", which lovers even till date recites to stop their beloved ones. A charming bachelor Anand was a jobless Romeo of the beautiful Rich Juliet, Meeta (Sadhana). He was educated but still searching for jobs giving interviews every now & then. But his real focus was on this sweet simple girl, who was quite grounded and has no signs of rude elites. She was the only daughter of this Rich Industrialist(Gajanand Jagirdar), who has built the Empire from the scratch. And he wasn't happy with Meeta choosing jobless Anand as her life partner. So to ensure the same, he get ready to meet the young lad. Poor Anand came all prepared, neatly-dressed (he was looking awesome), even leaving his interview for the meeting with her father. Old man explained the vast difference between Meeta & Anand fortunes in typical heroine-dad style. He insulted Anand on the very account of Love for which he was bargaining, by mentioning how the love for same Meeta, inspired him to create the whole empire, and he cannot even fetch a job of 100 Rs for the same. Shocked & totally down Anand leave the mansion immediately and get drowned into deep introspection, which was shown as Dev Anand walking fast-paced with head down only to look up to the board with his new course of life written, JOIN ARMY.

     That was the period of Second World War, and hiring for Burma Campaign was going on, there might be some anachronism with the setup & treatment of Army scenes which looked more of the time of China war. But still, Belonging to an army family myself, I could relate to all the setup used by Navketan Production, quite believable and impressive as per that time.The news of Anand joining Army spreads in the town, and reached his Mother, who broke into sorrow & pain of separating from his only hope, his young son, who was going to join army, which was synonym for death in those times. She tried to stop his son, but Anand was firm on his stand. I personally liked all the scenes of Leela Chitnis, an official mother of Dev Anand in nearly all the Navketan banner movies. I mean she had that loving, caring image of archetype Indian mother on-screen, which always touches me, even if some considers all that melodramatic. Well, She was a great actress, Ashok Kumar was a huge fan of her, and often quoted as learnt art of speaking with eyes from her. She is also widely known as first endorsee of popular Lux brand. Again coming back to HD, Anand left his home for eventful Army training experiences and get transformed into more matured gentleman. Then this class masterpiece of Mohd Rafi angelic voice arrives, Mai Zindagi ka sath nibhata chala gaya, which suited well to Anand attitude of moving on with life in the movie. After the song completes, he found a purse of Major Verma, who was his mustache look-alike. He found Maj Verma in Div Head quarters having whiskey with collegues. Initially, everyone thought it's a hangover. Same faces, Same structure, and both in Army, both gelled well right from the start and struck friendship.



         Both shared their respective past to each other, Especially about how they're missing their loved ones amidst military war-life, and then yet another song appeared as a gift to the viewers, "Kabhi Khud Pe Kabhi Halat Pe Rona Aaya".. Marvellous !! Dev Anand maintained the difference  between the two characters so beautifully, Infact his Maj Verma gestures & style was intense and bit funny. Their friendship grew, Maj Verma told everything about his house, wife, etc which later came handy to Anand. During Burma campaign, when Maj Verma was Missing in Action(MIA), he was believed dead, Killed in Action (KIA) during the battle. Anand was asked to convey this news to his family. But on reaching back home, he himself got the blow in form of his mother's death. He remembered his mother words that Army person's mother went mad or died waiting for their sons who never came, and if he'll go she'll never be able to see him again. Anand fall back into memory lanes of grief, and then understood how important is to convey the news of death of Maj Verma to his mother. He left for Major's home right away leaving tensed Meeta behind.


     One of the other unique features of Dev Anand movies was mental turmoil & confused state of protagnist. You take Guide, Kala Bazaar, Gambler, Bombai Ka Babu, or Hum Dono. The protagnist is fighting a psychological war with himself. The hero of Dev Anand movies behave just like normal human being committing sins & crimes himself, and finding redemption from dilemmas, confused between different path to choose, standing at road diverging into two parts. It happened quite in a gripping way in this one also. Major Verma home had already became temple of prayers, especially via Ruma(Nanda), his wife totally heart-broken due to his missing husband. She was praying everywhere for his safety & well-being. "Allah tero Naam" a solo by Asha Bhosle was iconic in all respects. Anand went to Major's house and straight away got misunderstood as Major Verma by his mother (Lalita Pawar)  & wife Ruma. And after seeing the condition of both his mother & wife, he was compelled to hide his identity by the family Doctor too, due to Ruma's weak heart condition. Now Anand was trapped in the web of responsibilities & mishappenings, completely justifying the tensed nail-biting drama. And the twist in the tale comes with dramatic return of Major Verma from the jaw of death, but with a loss of a leg. Problems for Anand became more & more weirder. He was misunderstood badly by Meeta who saw him with Ruma, and now think him as an infidel boyfriend, a cheat. All those friends who were visiting Verma's house since his return, now have a serious doubt over his charachter as he was living with a married woman since past few days just like husband. Though Anand was always smart enough to avoid Ruma's physical inclination towards him, and now he had to prove his purity not just to Meeta & Society, but to Major Verma himself who had already decided to take revenge from Anand after hearing about what happened behind his back. He chased Anand and even tried to kill him, but Anand after overpowering him, described him the real picture and asked for his patience to let him prove his innocence.

   Next day he called Major Verma to the temple, where he called Ruma & Meeta also. And one by one, he cleared the thick air of doubt & mistrust from everyone's mind. And at last, the same trademark melodious tune of Lighter, Meeta's gift for Anand, played. Well what an incredible gift it was, I wish I could have one lighter like that, So what if I didn't smoke ? A gift engrossed with the love of girlfriend like Meeta, is priceless. very recently the movie was screened in color print exactly after 50 years of its release. And why not ? Movies like these can be screened again & again, i have no issues, but remaking them really piss me off. But why should I get angry, Har Fikr Ko Dhue Mein Udaata chala gaya. Gum or Khushi Mein Fark Na Mehsoos Ho jahaan, Mai Dil Ko Us Mukaam Pe Lata Chala gaya. Again seem to influenced from Geeta, a proper state of Stithapragya. And not just this, whether It's Nau Do Gyarah's song -Dard bhi humein Qabool, Chain Bhi Humein Qabool ! Or, Guide, Wahaan Kaun hai tera, and Hum Dono. He have not left any chance to spill wisdom through his movie songs. We need songs like these so badly in Bollywood today. Haina?

RATINGS: 8.9/10

                                          Song: Mai Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya !

JOURNEY TO SALVATION ( THE GUIDE 1965)

     This movie satisfies my inner inclination towards being recluse at times. Road to Vairagya, or ultimately to salvation, was really a bumpy ride for the protagnist Raju, a freelance guide by profession. The film as we all know was based on RK Narayan's novel by the same name. So it has the well-structured storyline contrary to some of the movie of that time, or even nowadays cinema. Guide is inimitable, just like any other classic, as these gems were created keeping no filmy-formulas in mind. So the outcome of such movies may or may not be profitable but they will always be honored with highest tributes, whenever showcased.The movie songs play an integral part in the movie storyline & screenplay, as they're not as obstacles, but they carry forward the story beautifully. Music was carved nicely by legendary SD Burman, and Shailendra lyrics were fabulous.

            

        The story revolves around this popular, culturally well-versed charming guide, who was good in what he does. Apart from being a guide he had his small shop on railway stations where he'd placed a minor to handle the shop. He had one good friend, Gaffoor, who use to help him with the transportation for the visitors for sight-seeing in his jeep. Once an archaeologist Marco comes to the town for some cave research with his beautiful wife Rosie. He was an aged wealthy man who has married Rosie, a daughter of courtesan. He hired Raju for exploring caves, and eventually had one discovery within caves. But as always, he continued neglecting Rosie and treated her so badly at times that she decided to kill herself, and rescued many times by Raju. She had a passion for dancing, for which she often stole some time with Raju to exercise this hobby during the visit. Raju had a deep sympathy for Rosie, and he applauded her talent many a times to motivate her to choose life over suicidal behavior. In the process he fallen in love with her and shown her a dream of freedom from agonies & pain, to follow her penchant for dancing where her true potential lies.

       After rescuing her from Marco, he took her to his home. And he was criticized by one & all for his move. He had to confront with each and everyone for his illicit relationship with a married woman. He had to break all the relationship to keep his love-life with Rosie alive. Away from his home, he made her a dancing sensation countrywide by building influential nexus in the high societies. But later on Raju started living lavish lifestyle on the money of Rosie. He used to convince her for signing cheques for even gambling, much to the dismay of Rosie. In the meanwhile, Marco published his book on the caves, and gifted one copy to Rosie, which Raju hid deliberately to avoid any spark in Rosie's heart for Marco and he didn't wanted to lose her to Marco's ambitions of wooing her. But Marco kept on trying to meet Rosie, always blocked by Raju. He legally granted all the jewels in his account to Rosie for which she had to sign on some papers. But Raju, in his move to avoid Rosie getting flattered by such attraction from Marco, used fake signatures of Rosie to get rid of the issue. Inspite of all these, the distance between the two started building leaps & bounds, picturized beautifully in the song Din Dhal Jaaye. Rosie had somehow built a firm wall between Raju & her. He was shocked & at the same time depressed by her rude behavior towards him, and decided to leave her house & theatre to go back home.

                

And then in his absence his fake signature issue came back rocking upon him when he was at home. His own friend, a policeman came to arrest him in his village. He requested him to see Rosie once before going to jail as he was astonished by the fact that complaint was lodged by her. When he did visit her in the theatre, he was taunted well by Rosie through a beautiful song Saiyaan be-imaan. Raju was unable to explain his intent behind his act, that he was doing all this for her only. He was again down into sorrow.

 


He was sentenced 2 yrs imprisonment. He was released early due to his good conduct, but he chose to forbid his family, love & city for totally unknown place. This happens just in the beginning of the movie, with a masterpiece song, Yahaan kaun hai tera musafir. And all the story continues in the flashback. This movie has one of the perfect beginning. Even after knowing the fate of Raju in the very start, we tend to enjoy and stay curious for the upcoming incidents due to nicely weaved treatment by Vijay Anand, the Director of the movie. My high regards to him, he was good as director. Even though he was not willing to direct Guide initially, he presented the best out of him.

Raju travelled a lot forgetting every attachment, every near & dear one. He reached one remote village where he was misunderstood as saint by villagers,especially Bhola. Even he liked the idea, as his words of wisdom were accepted whole heartedly by one & all. He use to tell them stories of wisdom. He told them once how one saint kept fast for 12 days for rain. Once a famine hit the village, and due to some misinterpretation by an idiot in the village he was emotionally blackmailed to do the same. He just wanted to stop villagers from fighting each other for hunger, but now his own life was in danger, So he tried to convince them that he is no different from them and is just as sinful & ordinary as them.

 

But villagers were not ready to lose faith on him. And he tried to ran away from the village but returned. Initially, he felt tortured by the fast and felt deep longings for food, but gradually his belief on the fast & the devotion behind the same grew dramatically. He now wanted to continue fast to answer his own spirtual queries with ultimate Godhood. He became popular worldwide, and people from far across the world started flocking on village to have glimpse of Swami Raju. Eventually all his forbidden loved ones cam running to meet him. His mother, friends & Rosie all found him in this new surprising tragic phase of life.


    Often questioned by his self about the vitality of fast after his reunion & acceptance by loved ones, Raju didn't got distracted and stayed firm on his fast. And finally he found salvation after going through the crossroads of pain in form of Aatma-rahasya. He reached self-actualization stage wherein he could ruled out the mortal body for the attainment of the absolute immortal AATMA. He felt the presence of the Almighty within his reach and also felt drained by the showers even before they arrived. People were thrilled to have rains after months, but Raju was mo more in his body to share this happiness of villagers & loved ones.

But the superb lines of wisdom echoed once again, seems to be captured from Geeta,  Na Sukh hai Na Dukh hai, Na Din Na raat, Na Deen Na Duniya, Na Insaan Na Bhagwaan, Bas mai hun, Mai hun, Mai hun !!!

Ratings: 9.9/10

                                           SD Burman Gem of a song: Waha Kaun hai Tera !