Cinema
Pyaasa
प्यासा
Guru Dutt · 1957
Synopsis
In Calcutta, Vijay, a penniless poet, cannot get his verse published, which he is reproached for devoting to poverty rather than to love. His brothers sell his manuscripts by weight and throw him out of the house. He meets again Meena, his youthful love, married to a rich publisher, Mr Ghosh, and crosses paths with Gulabo, a prostitute who admires his poems and sets about getting them published.
Context
The film, originally titled Pyaas, was produced by Guru Dutt, who took the role of the poet after Dilip Kumar refused, exhausted by his tragic roles. Sahir Ludhianvi wrote the songs and S. D. Burman the music. The scenes of the red-light district were to be shot in Calcutta, but the crew was attacked there by pimps: the sets were rebuilt in the studio from photographs. The distributors imposed an additional song and a less sombre ending than the one the filmmaker wanted.
Who it is for
A long film, two and a half hours, in Hindi and Urdu, with many songs; released on DVD with French subtitles.
Prizes and reception
Third biggest box-office success in India in 1957; selected by Time magazine among the hundred best films of all time.
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