Guru Dutt Centenary Celebrations In Pune: Classics Like Pyaasa & Kagaz Ke Phool To Be Screened At NFDC–NFAI

To mark the birth centenary of legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt, NFDC–NFAI, Pune, is hosting a special Guru Dutt Retrospective from August 7 to 10.

The four-day celebration will feature screenings of some of his most revered films in meticulously restored 4K and 2K versions, offering audiences a chance to experience his timeless brilliance on the big screen.

The retrospective includes classics like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, Aar Paar and Mr & Mrs 55.

Several of these films have been restored under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM), a flagship project funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, aimed at preserving, restoring, and disseminating India’s rich film heritage.

As part of this mission, many landmark films have been restored using modern digital technology to make them accessible to newer generations. The screenings are part of a nationwide effort, with over 250 theatres across India participating in this celebration.

The Pune chapter at NFDC–NFAI will serve as a hub for students, film enthusiasts, researchers, and the general public to engage with Guru Dutt’s cinematic legacy.

The retrospective opens on August 7 with In Search of Guru Dutt (1989), a documentary directed by Nasreen Munni Kabir, followed by a screening of Baazi (1951), one of Guru Dutt’s early directorial successes. August 8 features Baaz (1953) and Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960), while August 9 brings Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam, Mr & Mrs 55, and the much-awaited 4K premiere of Pyaasa. The event concludes on August 10 with Kaagaz Ke Phool and Aar Paar.

Guru Dutt’s films are celebrated not only for their visual elegance and lyrical beauty but also for their emotional depth, humanism, and powerful social commentary. This centenary initiative aims to bring his remarkable vision to life for a new era of cinema lovers. More than just a film festival, this retrospective is a cultural tribute made possible through NFDC–NFAI and NFHM’s commitment to safeguarding Indian cinematic history.