Renowned Dastango Mahmood Farooqui’s New Book 'Dastan-e-Gurudutt' to be Launched on May 20

New Delhi— As part of the 18th Habitat Film Festival 2026, a special session will be hosted on Wednesday evening, May 20, at the Gulmohar Hall in the India Habitat Centre. The event will mark the formal launch of 'Dastan-e-Gurudutt', the latest book by acclaimed Dastango and theatre artist Mahmood Farooqui. Published by Rajkamal Prakashan, the book offers a profound exploration of the legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt's life, his struggles, and the Indian cinema of his era.

Following the book launch, a special panel discussion will take place focusing on the same subject. The session will feature prominent speakers, including senior film critic Jawrimal Parakh, film scholar Ira Bhaskar, renowned poet and critic Priyadarshan, and distinguished poet and writer Sudeepti. The entire program will be adeptly moderated by well-known Dastango Poonam Girdhani.

Narrating a unique journey of cinema, love, and solitude, 'Dastan-e-Gurudutt' is essentially a vibrant tale of the actor-director's sorrows and creative ecstasies. Transcending the conventional thinking of his time, Guru Dutt gifted Indian cinema timeless classics like 'Pyaasa', 'Kaagaz Ke Phool', and 'Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam'.

This book chronicles the story of an artist who witnessed the blossoming of his deepest aspirations at a very young age, only to set aside all his achievements and walk down a path of melancholy from which a return was never possible.

The saga of Guru Dutt resonates with every restless soul that disagrees with societal hypocrisy and man-made customs. It represents those who wish to see the world rise above its hollow claims and achieve true greatness in a realistic sense. The author outlines the vision of a world where no one is a slave or a victim.

The book encompasses vivid scenes from Guru Dutt's enigmatic life, the making of his classic films, his personal interests, the ups and downs of his married life, his romances, and intriguing stories of his suicidal creativity. Furthermore, it provides readers with crucial and fascinating historical insights into that defining era of Hindi cinema.

Mahmood Farooqui brings a deep understanding of history to his writing, having received his higher education in the subject from the prestigious St. Stephen's College in Delhi and Oxford University. An eminent writer, rigorous researcher, and skilled Dastango, he has played a historic role in reviving the centuries-old, endangered art of 'Dastangoi'.

He is credited with giving this unique Urdu storytelling tradition a modern identity and successfully introducing it to the new generation. Farooqui, who was also the co-director of the acclaimed film 'Peepli Live', has delivered over 300 successful performances to date. 'Dastan-e-Gurudutt' stands as his newest and highly anticipated work.

Event Details

This prestigious launch ceremony will be held on May 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Gulmohar Hall, India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Entry to this literary and cultural program is entirely free and open to all cinema and literature enthusiasts.