Theatrical homage to Guru Dutt

[1]

Capturing the evocative beauty of Chaudhvi ka Chaand song and the story behind it, Meena Kumari’s dramatic entry in Saheb Bibi aur Ghulam, discovery of Waheeda Rahman and lot many nostalgic moments of Guru Dutt’s life and times came alive in play Ten Years With Guru Dutt: Abrar Alvi’s Journey staged at Lok Kala Manch on Sunday evening.

Inspired by Sathya Saran’s book, the first time director Saattvic says, “The book is an account of Dutt’s close friend and scriptwriter Abrar Alvi’s memories of an intense working relationship with the iconic filmmaker. We wanted to bring these interesting anecdotes and shades of Dutt’s personality to the stage.” Different actors played Dutt at various stages of life as Abrar Alvi narrates filmmaker’s life journey to a journalist. The narrative shifts between the eras, and between the drama and narration. Costumes designed by Sabyasaachi Mukherjee and Raghavendra Rathore brought alive the bygone era albeit in a glamorous avataar.
Sherwani three-piece suits, bandhgala and dhoti gave an elegant touch to characters. Saattvic added, “Meenu and Namit of Just Imagine Productions who organised the show managed to get the costumes that added further charm.”