On July 9, India celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of one of its most legendary film personalities, Guru Dutt. Known for films like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, and Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Guru Dutt was more than just an actor or director; he was a poet of the silver screen. Though he passed away at the young age of 38, his contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched. Even after six decades of his passing, his legacy continues to inspire generations, and conversations around a biopic on his life still spark excitement among fans and filmmakers alike.
Over the years, some of Bollywood’s biggest stars have expressed a deep desire to portray Guru Dutt on screen, most notably Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan.
Shah Rukh Khan: “My Face Is Like a Beautiful Poem in B&W”
It all began with a tweet in 2016, where a film journalist suggested that Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt’s story was “ripe for a sensitive biopic,” ideally helmed by a filmmaker like Imtiaz Ali or Mani Ratnam. The journalist added that no one other than Shah Rukh Khan could portray the pain, romance, and complexity that Guru Dutt carried. SRK, always quick to recognize poetic beauty, responded warmly:
“Absolutely. I should do it. And as you lovingly say, my friend, my face is like a beautiful poem… in black & white.”
This wasn’t just a passing thought. In an interview with Hindustan Times in 2017, when asked about biopics, Shah Rukh Khan revealed his wish clearly:
“I’d love to essay Guru Dutt Saab’s life.”
It’s easy to understand why SRK would be drawn to the idea. Much like Guru Dutt, Shah Rukh has built his stardom on intense performances that oscillate between charm, pain, and raw vulnerability. And with his classical looks and deep understanding of romantic tragedy, he could potentially bring Guru Dutt’s spirit alive for a modern audience.
Aamir Khan: The Chosen One Who Came Close
But if there was ever someone who got really close to portraying the legendary filmmaker, it was Aamir Khan.
In 2008, Aamir recreated the iconic Pyaasa still with Katrina Kaif for a CineBlitz Gold coffee-table book titled Love & Longing in Hindi Cinema. The photographs sparked major speculation: were Aamir and Katrina starring in a Pyaasa remake? As it turned out, the shoot was a tribute, not a teaser.
Still, the resemblance was uncanny. At the launch of the book, Aamir shared his process:
“I looked at the photograph very closely and tried to be in that headspace to understand what I could feel from watching Guru Dutt ji in that moment.”
Karan Johar, also present at the event, was taken aback by the power of the image.
“I thought this was a film being made on Guru Dutt. Aamir portrays him so effortlessly,” he said, calling the visual “a befitting portrayal of romance.”
Even V. K. Murthy, Guru Dutt’s trusted cinematographer for eight of his classics, once said in a 2010 interview that only Aamir Khan could do justice to a biopic on the icon.
“I don’t get impressed by actors easily, but Aamir is in a different league… He reminds me of Guru Dutt.”
The Shelved Biopic: A Missed Opportunity
Interestingly, a biopic almost did happen. Anurag Kashyap, known for his gritty and sensitive storytelling, had written a detailed script on Guru Dutt’s life. The film was to be directed by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, now known for his work in film preservation through the Film Heritage Foundation. What made the project even more authentic was the support from Guru Dutt’s family. His son, Arun Dutt, had not only approved the idea but also personally approached Aamir Khan for the role.
Aamir, ever the perfectionist, asked for the script but never gave a public response. Over time, the project quietly faded into the background. The reasons remain unclear.
Meanwhile, filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi, niece of Guru Dutt and daughter of artist Lalita Lajmi, had also planned to make a film on her uncle’s life. However, once she learned about the Kashyap-Dungarpur project, she respectfully stepped back.
“My mother told me that Anurag Kashyap is scripting and Shivendra Singh is directing the film. Arun Dutt has also given his nod. So, we’re all for it,” Kalpana had said in support.
A Story That Deserves the Screen
The biopic may be shelved for now, but the fascination with Guru Dutt’s story hasn’t died. His life, filled with artistic brilliance, romantic intensity, and emotional turbulence, is made for the silver screen. Whether it’s SRK’s poetic longing or Aamir’s quiet immersion, the idea of either of them playing Guru Dutt is enough to stir any film lover’s heart.
As we mark the 100th birth anniversary of this cinematic maestro, maybe it’s time the dream is revived with the right script, the right vision, and the right heart. Because some stories don’t just deserve to be told, they demand it.