Abrar Alvi

Abrar Alvi is an Indian film writer, director and actor. Most of his notable works are from the 50s, 60s done with Guru Dutt. He wrote some of the most respected works of Indian cinema, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Pyaasa &
Chaudhvin Ka Chand which have an avid following world over. Pyaasa is ranked as Time top 100 movies of all times by Time magazine.

Works

An integral part of the Guru Dutt team, he is noted for writing such films as Aar-Paar, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Pyaasa, Chaudhvin Ka Chand & Mr. & Mrs. '55. It was a chance meeting with Guru Dutt on sets of Baazi. Guru Dutt was having problems with a scene on the movie and Abrar suggested his opnion. Guru Dutt was so impressed that he invited Abrar to write Aar-Paar, from where Abrar became integral part of the Guru Dutt team. Many of the movies he worked on for Guru Dutt have since become classics not only in India but world over. He also directed the box-office hit Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. He last appeared on a poignant three part documentary on Guru Dutt reminiscing his work and days with the Guru Dutt team. The documentary is produced by Channel 4 and is included in the extra features section of Kaagaz Ke Phool DVD. Post Guru Dutt and due to controversy of who actually directed Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam he was unable to give any notable directorial or written work.

ahib Bibi Aur Ghulam controversy

that year [http://www.upperstall.com/films/sbg.html] .

The controversy about who actually directed Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam has increased over the years. Since the film is characteristic of Guru Dutt's feel and style, it is difficult to think that he did not direct the film. However Guru Dutt never denied Abrar Alvi's role in the film nor did he make any counter claims when Alvi won the Filmfare Award for Best Director for the film. Abrar Alvi has stated that Guru Dutt did direct the songs in the film, but not the film in its entirety. The editor of the Film Y.G. Chawan however says that for the film it was Abrar who sat with him. To quote him..."Abrar worked so hard on that film but he never got any credit. People say it was produced by Guru Dutt so it had to be Guru Dutt's film." [http://www.upperstall.com/films/sbg.html]

Awards

Won - Filmfare Best Director Award for: Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)

Current Status

Abrar currently lives in Mumbai (Bombay). He last publicly appeared on a poignant three part documentary on Guru Dutt reminiscing his work and days with the Guru Dutt team. The documentary is produced by Channel 4 and is included in the extra features section of Kaagaz Ke Phool DVD. Apparently the controversy on who directed Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, played heavily against him. Ironically he was unable to secure any directorial work, in spite of making a classic film; Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. Further, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam was a controversial topic for its time. Hindi cinema was moving towards light family drama, comedy and mild action topics for which Abrar was found inapt. He was reduced to writing ad hoc cinema works.

elect Filmography

Writer

# Guddu (1995) (dialogue) (screenplay)
# Kasam Suhaag Ki (1989) (dialogue)
# Patthar Dil (1985) (dialogue) (screenplay)
# Khuda Kasam (1981) (dialogue) (screenplay)
# (1981) (dialogue)
# Hamare Tumhare (1979) (dialogue) (screenplay)
# Sabse Bada Rupaiya (1976) (dialogues) (screenplay)
# Bairaag (1976) (dialogue)
# Laila Majnu (1976) (dialogue)
# Manoranjan (1974) (written by)
# Saathi (1968) (dialogue)
# Sunghursh (1968) (dialogue)
# Chhotisi Mulaqat (1967) (dialogue)
# Suraj (1966) (dialogue)
# Baharen Phir Bhi Aayengi (1966) (written by)
# Professor (1962) (dialogue) (screenplay)
# Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) (dialogue)
# Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)
# Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) (dialogue) (screenplay)
# Pyaasa (1957) (dialogue)
# Mr. & Mrs. '55 (1955) (dialogue)
# Aar-Paar (1954) (dialogue)

Actor

# Laila Majnu (1976) .... (Guest Appearance)
# 12 O'Clock (1958) .... Police Inspector

Director

# Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)

ee also

*

Further reading

* "Ten Years with Guru Dutt: Abrar Alvi's journey", by Sathya Saran. 2008, Penguin, ISBN 067008221X.

External links

* [http://www.nerve.in/news:253500155327 A newsreport on Sathya Saran's book Ten Years With Guru Dutt]