#IFFIWood, 24 November 2025

On the fifth day of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), a special musical retrospective titled ‘Dastan-e-Guru Dutt’ was presented at the Kala Academy, Goa. The event, performed by Fouzia and her team, offered audiences an immersive narrative on the life and creative legacy of the legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt.

The session commenced with noted filmmaker and veteran director Rahul Rawail, who shared his reflections on Guru Dutt’s contribution to Indian cinema. Following this, Fouzia led the audience through a captivating narration, accompanied by singer Latika Jain, Sudip on tabla, Rishabh on Harmonium and Ankit on guitar. The production was led by Vikas Jalan with research support from Asha Batra.

Tracing the Early Life of Guru Dutt

Fouzia began the narrative with Guru Dutt’s early childhood in Kolkata, highlighting the creative influences and guidance he received from his maternal family. She recounted his formative years at the Uday Shankar Cultural Centre in Almora, which he joined at the age of 16. His time there played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic abilities and love for the performing arts.

Bond with Dev Anand

The retrospective also highlighted Guru Dutt’s significant friendship with Dev Anand, which began during their early days at Prabhat Studio, Pune. The two artists formed a deep bond and promised to collaborate when they eventually ventured into production. This mutual promise marked the beginning of one of Indian cinema’s most iconic creative partnerships.

Journey in Mumbai and Rise as a Filmmaker

Fouzia narrated Guru Dutt’s transition to Mumbai, where Dev Anand established Navketan Film Company. Fulfilling his promise, Dev Anand invited Guru Dutt to direct the company’s first film “Baazi”, which marked the beginning of Guru Dutt’s illustrious career. It was during this film that Guru Dutt gave actor Badruddin Jamaluddin Kazi his famous screen name, Johnny Walker.

Following the success of Baazi, Guru Dutt went on to create timeless classics, including the iconic “Pyaasa”, which remains a landmark in world cinema.

Insights into Personal Life

The narrative also touched upon Guru Dutt’s personal life. It further reflected on the filmmaker’s emotional struggles following the commercial failure of Kaagaz Ke Phool, which led to a period of depression and isolation in his final years.

Warm Audience Response

The musical retrospective received an enthusiastic response from the audience. Latika Jain’s soulful interludes added depth to the performance and enriched the storytelling experience.

At the conclusion of the event, Producer Ravi Kottarakara felicitated the entire team of Dastan-e-Guru Dutt for their contribution to preserving and presenting the legacy of one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers.

About IFFI

Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.

For more information, click on:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2191742

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2190381

IFFI Website: https://www.iffigoa.org/

PIB’s IFFI Microsite: https://www.pib.gov.in/iffi/56/

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X Handles: @IFFIGoa, @PIB_India, @PIB_Panaji

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PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Smita Vats Sharma/Sangeeta Godbole/Robin Singh/Darshana Rane | IFFI 56 - 061