NCPA Flashback
Classic Indian Films
An NCPA-NFAI Presentation
Pyaasa
(B&W/Hindi/153mins/1957)
Dutt’s classic melodrama was the first in a series addressing the state of the nation and the displaced romantic artist. Vijay is an unsuccessful poet whose work is sold by his brothers as waste paper. Unable to bear the reigning philistinism, he chooses to live on the streets where a young prostitute, Gulab, falls in love with him and his poetry while Vijay’s former girlfriend Meena marries an arrogant publisher, Mr. Ghosh, for comfort and security. When a dead beggar to whom Vijay gave his coat is mistaken for Vijay, Gulab has his poetry published in a book which becomes a bestseller. Everyone who previously rejected Vijay now gather to pay tribute to the dead poet. Vijay disrupts the celebration with a passionate song denouncing hypocrisy and calling for the violent destruction of a corrupt world.
Direction & Production: Guru Dutt
Cast: Guru Dutt , Waheeda Rehman , Mala Sinha , Johnny Walker, Rehman, Kumkum, Shyam, Leela Mishra and Mehmood
Admission on a first-come-first-served basis. NCPA members will get preferential seating till 6.20 pm.