Guru Dutt’s granddaughters, Gouri and Karuna Dutt, are forging their own paths in cinema while cherishing the iconic legacy of their legendary grandfather.
Building Their Own Path in Filmmaking
Gouri Dutt, named after a film her grandmother Geeta Dutt was meant to debut in, initially pursued interior design. Despite her family’s deep roots in cinema, she felt a pull towards filmmaking after seeing her father, Arun Dutt, immersed in it.
She decided to take the leap, working as an Assistant Director on various projects like “Girls Will Be Girls” and “Tanaav Season 2.” Gouri enjoys the hands-on experience of being involved from a project’s inception.
Her sister, Karuna Dutt, also began as a first AD before transitioning to creative roles. She served as a creative producer for “Jubilee” and is now a creative director for an upcoming show. Both sisters take deliberate breaks between projects to focus on writing and pitching their own ideas, aspiring to direct someday.
Growing Up with a Cinematic Legend
Thanks to their father’s dedication, the sisters grew up surrounded by their grandparents’ history. They had access to old photos, film equipment, and even personal items like Guru Dutt’s driving license or Geeta Dutt’s purse.
This unique upbringing allowed them to connect deeply with their family’s cinematic heritage. Interestingly, Karuna sees herself as social and outgoing, much like her grandmother Geeta, while Gouri recalls being quiet and introspective, a trait often associated with Guru Dutt.
The Films That Left a Mark
Among their grandfather’s works, “Kagaz Ke Phool” left a profound impact on both sisters. Gouri vividly remembers how the film’s mirroring of her grandfather’s life made her believe he might have died on a film set.
Karuna found the 1959 film so personal that she would often pretend to watch it, but close her eyes. “Pyaasa,” however, is Karuna’s undisputed favorite. The sisters experienced its digital restoration on the big screen for the first time at the 2015 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, witnessing the universal admiration for the masterpiece.
Preserving a Priceless Legacy
The recent announcement by NFDC to restore six of Guru Dutt’s films, including “Baazi” and “Chaudhvin Ka Chand,” is deeply appreciated by his granddaughters. They believe such initiatives are crucial for introducing his work to new audiences.
While they don’t plan to revive the family banner immediately, they are focused on building their own identities and achievements first. They enjoy the genuine reactions of people who discover their family connection, noting how many grew up admiring their grandparents’ art.
Celebrating His Lighter Side
The world lost Guru Dutt at just 39, and Karuna believes that with him, many unique stories and technical innovations were lost. Beyond the professional impact, there was a deep personal loss for the sisters, who missed out on having grandparents like their peers.
However, they also remember a lighter side to their grandfather. He loved spending time at his Lonavala farm with his children and animals, even waiting hours to see a chicken hatch. He sometimes playfully used his serious image to crack jokes.
For Guru Dutt’s 100th birthday, Gouri and Karuna wish to move away from the intensity of “Pyaasa” or “Kagaz Ke Phool.” Instead, they hope to watch the breezy romantic comedy “Mr & Mrs ’55,” a film that captures a more joyful side of his work. They fondly recall singing “Thandi Hawa Kali Ghata” from the film as children, running around their house with dupattas.
- Guru Dutt’s granddaughters, Gouri and Karuna, are actively working in film production, aiming to direct their own projects.
- They grew up immersed in their grandfather’s legacy through personal archives, developing a deep, personal connection to his films like “Kagaz Ke Phool” and “Pyaasa.”
- Despite the profound impact of his intense dramas, they wish to celebrate Guru Dutt’s lighter side by watching “Mr & Mrs ’55” on his 100th birthday.
Their journey beautifully blends respect for their legendary past with a drive to carve out their own future in Indian cinema.
