Pyaasa (Thirsty)
The one who is thirsty is Vijay, the protagonist played by Guru Dutt himself, at the height of his art as a director and actor: Vijay thirsts for a fair and fraternal society that would recognise humane values. He is a misunderstood poet, disillusioned by a youthful love affair, but he meets Gulabo, a golden-hearted prostitute who admires his work and supports him.
In the tradition of popular Indian cinema, the story is interspersed by song and dance – Waheeda Rahman’s unforgettable sensuality, heady melodies…! This poetic black-and-white film high in contrasts is an uncompromising picture of a world bereft of love and empathy, dreams and utopias.
M.F.M.
