Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam is the story of the destruction and disappearance of a world and a way of life, that of the great landowners and lords of 19th-century Bengal. Following the traditions of their milieu, two brothers devote their time to gambling, drinking and frequenting prostitute-dancers. The wife of one of the brothers is from a lower class: she was only chosen for her great beauty. Neglected, she goes so far as to become an alcoholic to join her husband. But the family is ruined. Together they drink what money they have left to death.
This film can be considered Guru Dutt’s third and last masterpiece, even though he refused to sign it. In fact, he was personally responsible for the film’s failure, which was mainly due to the realistic, down-to-earth nature of the characters, who were so far removed from convention.
