On the birth anniversary of cinematic genius Vijay Anand, we revisit ‘Guide,’ the iconic film that has transcended time to remain a masterpiece. Starring Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman, this classic not only became a milestone for all involved but also touched spiritual heights absent even in R.K. Narayan’s original novel.
“Guide exceeded all our expectations,” Waheeda Rehman recalls. “We never imagined the film would gain such enduring fame. It became the defining work for Dev Saab, Vijay Anand, and me. While I cherish many of my films, ‘Guide’ is my most iconic work, just as it was Dev’s most celebrated film.”
Surprisingly, Waheeda Rehman nearly turned down the role of Rosy. Initially, Raj Khosla was set to direct the film, but Waheeda had differences with him from a previous project and was unwilling to collaborate again. “Dev was persuasive,” she explains. “He urged me to let bygones be bygones, but I stood firm.”
Eventually, Raj Khosla was replaced by Chetan Anand, but complications persisted. “Chetan Saab didn’t want me either!” Waheeda laughs. “I think he had Priya Rajvansh in mind, but Dev insisted they needed a trained dancer, and Priya Ji wasn’t one. That’s when Goldie (Vijay Anand) stepped in to direct ‘Guide’. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Waheeda and Dev Anand shared remarkable on-screen chemistry, collaborating in seven films, including Solva Saal, Kala Bazar, and Prem Pujari. Waheeda reminisces about their first film together, C.I.D. “I was a fan of Dev Saab and Madhubala, so working with him was surreal. On the first day, I called him ‘Dev Saab,’ but he insisted I call him ‘Dev.’ It took me a while to adjust, but from then on, it was always ‘Dev.’”
One of Guide’s standout features was its unforgettable soundtrack, composed by Sachin Dev Burman. Waheeda shares an intriguing anecdote about the song Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai. “Nobody in the team thought much of it initially. We were all more focused on Din Dhal Jaye and Tere Mere Sapne. But destiny had other plans, and today, ‘Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai’ is the song I’m most identified with.”
With its soul-stirring performances, unforgettable music, and Vijay Anand’s visionary direction, Guide remains a testament to Indian cinema’s artistic brilliance. As we celebrate Vijay Anand’s birth anniversary, we honor his legacy through a film that continues to inspire generations.
