Abrar Alvi
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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.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam controversy
Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam was important for Guru Dutt. Post box-office disaster of Kaagaz Ke Phool, He lost almost 17 lacs on the movie a big amount then [1]. Guru Dutt needed a success to put him back on map. The film went on to become a major box office success of the year. The film also won the President's Silver Medal and the 'Film of the Year' Award from the Bengal Film Journalist Association. The film was also screened at the Berlin Film Festival in June 1963 and was India's official entry to the Oscars that year[2].
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.[3]
[edit] Awards
Won - Filmfare Best Director Award for: Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)
[edit] 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.
[edit] Select Filmography
[edit] Writer
- Guddu (1995) (dialogue) (screenplay)
- Kasam Suhaag Ki (1989) (dialogue)
- Patthar Dil (1985) (dialogue) (screenplay)
- Khuda Kasam (1981) (dialogue) (screenplay)
- Biwi-O-Biwi: The Fun-Film (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)
[edit] Actor
- Laila Majnu (1976) .... (Guest Appearance)
- 12 O'Clock (1958) .... Police Inspector
[edit] Director
- Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)
