Guru Dutt’s Granddaughters Unveil His Private World

MUMBAI– Gouri and Karuna Dutt, granddaughters of the legendary filmmaker and actor Guru Dutt, recently shared personal insights into his life on his hundredth birth anniversary. The sisters spoke about their grandfather’s personal life, hobbies, and the values he held dear.

Contrary to his image as a workaholic, Guru Dutt made a conscious effort to spend time with his family. Gouri shared that in his letters, he would often express his desire to plan family trips as soon as a project was completed. The family’s farmhouse in Lonavala was a special place where they spent a lot of time together. Karuna fondly recalled that it was a simple, non-fancy bungalow where her grandfather indulged his passion for nature. “My grandfather, Guru Dutt, would show the children things like chicken hatching and was very fond of growing vegetables,” she said. He consistently tried to spark his children’s curiosity about life and living.

The sisters revealed that their father, Guru Dutt’s son, had preserved all the letters Guru Dutt wrote to their grandmother, Geeta Dutt. These letters were later published in a book. Gouri shared a touching detail, recalling how her grandfather would sign a letter to his children with a cartoon face. She also shared a piece of wisdom he imparted: “Kaam toh kaam hota hai. Koi kaam chhota ya bada nahi hota, aur jo kaam nahi karta hai, woh buddhu hota hai” (No work is big or small, but those who don’t work are fools). This, she explained, was his way of emphasizing the importance of hard work for success. Karuna added that the letters clearly reflected his deep “longing for the family,” showing that even as a workaholic, he deeply missed his loved ones.

Guru Dutt, a veteran filmmaker and actor active in the 1940s and 1950s, is celebrated for iconic films like Pyaasa, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, and Chaudhvin Ka Chand. He passed away at the young age of 39, and his films gained cult status after his demise. To commemorate his 100th birth anniversary, six of his films have been restored and screened in theatres across India.(IANS)