Guru Dutt: The tragic life of an Indian cinematic genius

This week marks the birth centenary of Guru Dutt, one of Bollywood's most iconic directors.

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Born on 9 July 1925 in the southern state of Karnataka, next week marks his birth centenary. But the man behind the camera, his emotional turmoil and mental health struggles remain largely unexplored.

Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing.

The maker of classic Hindi films such as Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool - film school staples for their timeless themes - Dutt forged a deeply personal, introspective style of filmmaking that was novel in the post-independence era.

His complex characters often reflected his personal struggles; his plots touched upon universal motifs, inviting the audience to confront uncomfortable realities through hauntingly beautiful cinema.