Guru Dutt: A Tragedy in Three Acts

Arun Khopkar Translated from Marathi by Shanta Gokhale

Penguin India

168 pages, R250

Filmmaker and scholar Arun Khopkar sheds new light on Guru Dutt’s genius through a close examination of Dutt’s three best-known films—Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool and Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam. With a nuanced eye, Khopkar explores the historical context that influenced Dutt’s deeply melancholic style while also analysing the intricacies of the medium—acting, lighting, music, editing, rhythm—that Dutt carefully deployed to create his masterpieces.