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Guru Dutt Biopic: The Iconic Dream That Never Made It To The Screen

On July 9, India celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of one of its most legendary film personalities, Guru Dutt. Known for films like Pyaasa, Kaagaz Ke Phool, and Chaudhvin Ka Chand, Guru Dutt was more than just an actor or director; he was a poet of the silver screen. Though he passed away at the young age of 38, his contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched. Even after six decades of his passing, his legacy continues to inspire generations, and conversations around a biopic on his life still spark excitement among fans and filmmakers alike. Over the years, some of Bollywood’s biggest stars have expressed a deep desire to portray Guru Dutt on screen, most notably Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. It all began with a tweet in 2016, where a film journalist suggested that Guru Dutt and Geeta Dutt’s story was “ripe for a sensitive biopic,” ideally helmed by a filmmaker like Imtiaz Ali or Mani Ratnam. The journalist added that no one other than Shah Rukh Khan could portray the pain, romance, and complexity that Guru Dutt carried. SRK, always quick to recognize poetic beauty, responded warmly: “Absolutely. I should do it. And as you lovingly say, my friend, my face is like a beautiful poem… in black & white.” This wasn’t just a passing thought. In an interview with Hindustan Times in 2017, when asked about biopics, Shah Rukh Khan revealed his wish clearly: “I’d love to essay Guru Dutt Saab’s life.” It’s easy to understand why SRK would be drawn to the idea. Much like Guru Dutt, Shah Rukh has built his stardom on intense performances that oscillate between charm, pain, and raw vulnerability. And with his classical looks and deep understanding of romantic tragedy, he could potentially bring Guru Dutt’s spirit alive for a modern audience. But if there was ever someone who got really close to portraying the legendary filmmaker, it was Aamir Khan. In 2008, Aamir recreated the iconic Pyaasa still with Katrina Kaif for a CineBlitz Gold coffee-table book titled Love & Longing in Hindi Cinema. The photographs sparked major speculation: were Aamir and Katrina starring in a Pyaasa remake? As it turned out, the shoot was a tribute, not a teaser. Still, the resemblance was uncanny. At the launch of the book, Aamir shared his process: “I looked at the photograph very closely and tried to be in that headspace to understand what I could feel from watching Guru Dutt ji in that moment.” Karan Johar, also present at the event, was taken aback by the power of the image. “I thought this was a film being made on Guru Dutt. Aamir portrays him so effortlessly,” he said, calling the visual “a befitting portrayal of romance.” Even V. K. Murthy, Guru Dutt’s trusted cinematographer for eight of his classics, once said in a 2010 interview that only Aamir Khan could do justice to a biopic on the icon. “I don’t get impressed by actors easily, but Aamir is in a different league… He reminds me of Guru Dutt.” Interestingly, a biopic almost did happen. Anurag Kashyap, known for his gritty and sensitive storytelling, had written a detailed script on Guru Dutt’s life. The film was to be directed by Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, now known for his work in film preservation through the Film Heritage Foundation. What made the project even more authentic was the support from Guru Dutt’s family. His son, Arun Dutt, had not only approved the idea but also personally approached Aamir Khan for the role. Aamir, ever the perfectionist, asked for the script but never gave a public response. Over time, the project quietly faded into the background. The reasons remain unclear. Meanwhile, filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi, niece of Guru Dutt and daughter of artist Lalita Lajmi, had also planned to make a film on her uncle’s life. However, once she learned about the Kashyap-Dungarpur project, she respectfully stepped back. “My mother told me that Anurag Kashyap is scripting and Shivendra Singh is directing the film. Arun Dutt has also given his nod. So, we’re all for it,” Kalpana had said in support. The biopic may be shelved for now, but the fascination with Guru Dutt’s story hasn’t died. His life, filled with artistic brilliance, romantic intensity, and emotional turbulence, is made for the silver screen. Whether it’s SRK’s poetic longing or Aamir’s quiet immersion, the idea of either of them playing Guru Dutt is enough to stir any film lover’s heart. As we mark the 100th birth anniversary of this cinematic maestro, maybe it’s time the dream is revived with the right script, the right vision, and the right heart. Because some stories don’t just deserve to be told, they demand it.

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News_Naija

Protecting Your Phone Screen

JUSTICE OKAMGBA explores how a single fall can shatter not just your phone screen but your budget, outlining key steps to avoid costly repairs in today’s smartphones-dependent world Uche Emmanuel was on the back of a motorbike in Lagos when it happened. His iPhone 12 Pro Max slipped from his pocket, bounced off the road, and landed face down. The screen, bright, sleek, and once flawless, was shattered. “When it fell on the ground, I picked it up, and the screen was gone,” he lamented. He made several calls to phone dealers. Eventually, he headed to Computer Village in Ikeja, the largest phone and tech market in West Africa. The response from technicians was unanimous: it would cost at least N230,000 to replace the screen. “That’s almost three months of minimum wage in Nigeria,” he said. “I’ve spent too much fixing damaged screens already: my laptop, my old Nokia, even my last tablet. These things are not cheap.” His experience is far from unique. Across the world, millions of users grapple with broken phone screens every day. And in an era where smartphones are practically extensions of ourselves, one small crack can have massive implications, financially and environmentally. Why are screens so fragile? According to the World Economic Forum, smartphone screens are complex creations made of multiple layers of glass and plastic, all coated with a rare metal called indium, a transparent conductor essential for touchscreens to respond to our fingers, which also conduct electricity. When you touch the screen, your finger completes an electric circuit, changing the charge at that point. The device reads this change as a “touch event” and reacts accordingly. It’s an impressive bit of science but also a vulnerability. Despite improvements in materials like Gorilla Glass, screens remain susceptible to cracks from even modest drops. And the stakes are high. Most modern smartphones, whether Samsung, iPhone, or other brands, contain over 80 per cent of the stable elements on the periodic table. Many of these, including indium, are considered at risk due to their scarcity, environmental impact, or dependence on fragile global supply chains. “I always put my phone in a clear, rubbery case that protects the edges,” Laurence Brevard, an iPhone user and tech enthusiast, said. “And I never go without a tempered glass screen protector.” Brevard recalled an incident involving her old iPhone 6 Plus. She had loaned it to her brother, “not the most careful with phones”, she admits, and when it came back, it appeared to have two nasty cracks. “I brought it to a shop hoping to trade it in any way,” Brevard said. “The staff peeled off the Zagg protector, and, to my surprise, the real screen underneath was perfectly fine. I got full trade-in value. Since then, I never leave the store without a screen protector installed.” Screen repair The costs of repairing screens continue to rise, especially for high-end models. In Nigeria, fixing a broken iPhone screen can range from N150,000 to N350,000, depending on the model and authenticity of the parts used. Mobile developer and tech analyst James Davis said the growing size of smartphone displays makes them even more vulnerable. “Manufacturers are trying to develop sturdier glass,” he explained. “But nothing is indestructible. That’s why users need to take these precautions.” Glass screen protectors “Tempered glass is your best defence,” said Davis. These protectors absorb shock during a fall, often cracking themselves while saving the actual screen. Many also come with oleophobic coatings to resist smudges and fingerprints. A proper case is more than just a fashion accessory. Brands like Otterbox, Spigen, and Incipio offer cases with shock-absorbing edges and reinforced corners. Some even come with built-in screen protectors or extra battery packs. PopSockets and grips “These small accessories stick to the back of your phone and make it easier to hold,” said Mr Davis. “Especially helpful when taking selfies or texting on the move.” Maintenance “Use a soft microfibre cloth to clean your screen,” he advised. “Avoid tissue paper or clothing fabric which can leave scratches over time.” Replacing screens isn’t just expensive for individuals; it’s also harmful to the planet. The rare metals required to build smartphones often come from environmentally sensitive regions and conflict zones. Discarded devices frequently end up in landfills or are poorly recycled, leading to the release of toxic substances into soil and water. Each screen replacement increases demand for rare materials like indium, cobalt, and lithium, driving unsustainable extraction and geopolitical tension. “We need to think of screen protection not just as a cost-saving measure,” said Mr Davis, “but as a small step towards more responsible tech ownership.” With smartphone prices soaring, some models now rival the cost of a used car, and repair costs follow closely behind. Taking simple preventive measures can save hundreds of thousands of naira and extend the life of your device. As Uche Emmanuel now knows, a single drop can be devastating. But with the right tools and habits, such as a tempered glass protector, a shock-absorbing case, and a little extra care, you can avoid joining the long queue of frustrated phone users at Computer Village. “I’ve learnt my lesson,” he said, shaking his head. “Next time, my phone is wearing full body armour.”

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News_Naija

Compliance Gaps Threaten Future Of African Fintech

A compliance and risk executive in the financial services industry, Griffith Onus Ehebha, has warned that African fintechs expanding into international markets could fail to scale sustainably if they do not treat compliance as critical infrastructure. Speaking at a recent leadership roundtable, Ehebha, who has held senior roles at Fidelity Bank, Diamond Bank, and Interswitch Holdings, said many institutions still see compliance as a regulatory formality rather than a strategic asset. “Compliance must evolve from being a control function to becoming a business enabler,” Ehebha said in a statement to The PUNCH. “When embedded early, it drives investor confidence, unlocks new markets, and builds a foundation for sustainable growth.” With African fintech firms increasingly expanding into regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Onus emphasised that regulatory scrutiny would only intensify. According to him, startups and financial institutions that fail to build governance frameworks into their core operations may struggle to meet the rigorous demands of cross-border oversight. “Institutions that treat compliance as an afterthought will find it difficult to scale globally,” he said. “But those that embed it at the foundation will not only grow; they’ll last.” Onus’ remarks come as Africa’s financial and technology sectors continue to gain global relevance. While the ecosystem has often been measured by innovation, funding rounds and user growth, trust and governance are increasingly becoming the defining factors for long-term success. Throughout his career, Onus has worked to reframe the role of compliance in Africa’s financial institutions. At Interswitch, he helped build out anti-bribery and corruption frameworks that extended beyond internal operations to include third-party vendors, a move seen as rare but necessary in emerging markets, where governance standards remain inconsistent. “He made integrity a shared responsibility, not a checkbox,” said one compliance officer familiar with Ehebha’s work. “His frameworks raised the bar not just for internal teams but for everyone who touched the business: suppliers, partners, and consultants.” Under his leadership, Interswitch and other organisations did not merely pass regulatory audits; they prepared for them, embraced them and, in some cases, invited them. International standards such as ISO 20000 (IT Service Management), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), and PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) were not treated as symbolic achievements but as practical tools for institutional resilience. According to Ehebha, embedding governance into enterprise design, from cybersecurity to anti-money laundering systems, is no longer optional. “True compliance means embedding security into the fabric of your operations and consistently demonstrating that you take protection and trust seriously,” he said. “It’s about building institutions that people can rely on, institutions grounded in integrity, resilience and accountability.” Ehebha also pushed for compliance to be taken beyond risk and legal departments, advocating for boardroom-level engagement and executive alignment. He noted that when senior leadership views compliance as a strategic lever, rather than a burden, organisations are better positioned to raise capital, meet due diligence standards, and protect customer trust. Industry experts say his approach is timely. As fintech adoption accelerates across the continent, many startups continue to face challenges in navigating fragmented regulations, especially when expanding into jurisdictions with stricter data privacy, consumer protection, and anti-corruption laws. While some companies scramble to implement compliance only after securing funding or facing scrutiny, Ehebha has argued for a proactive approach. “Compliance-by-design”, he noted, should be standard practice for any company with global ambitions. He also cautioned against seeing certifications as the end goal. “Certifications are not trophies; they’re tools,” he said. “They must reflect practices that are already part of the organisation’s DNA.” As fintechs from Nigeria to Kenya eye international markets, the lessons from Mr Onus’ governance model offer a blueprint for balancing agility with accountability. “Growth is important”, he said, “but not at the cost of integrity. The future belongs to companies that can scale with structure, and compliance is that structure.”

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News_Naija

Groups Seek Increased Protection For Female As Police Crack Down On Ekiti Rapists

ABIODUN NEJO writes that the arrests over cases of rape made by the police in three and half months in Ekiti State is a fresh cause for concern Despite the fact that Ekiti State Government, security agencies and relevant civil society organisations in the state have been unrelenting in the fight against violence against women, rape incident still appears to be rampant. The disclosure by the Police Commissioner in Ekiti State, Joseph Eribo, recently that operatives of the State Criminal Investigations Department made arrests in 12 rape cases and two others of abuse of nine years old girls between January and mid April brought the situation to the fore once again. More worrisome is the fact that the victims in the 12 rape cases were mainly minors as the data showed cases involving nine minors and three adults. Four of the affected minors were aged three, four, five and eight years old.  The state government has been fighting rape with public sensitization, laws and enforcement and as well emplacing policies that will dissuade the social vice, just as civil society organisations are coming up with various strategies to reach communities and stakeholders to eradicate rape. Among initiatives of the state government is the ‘Name and Shame’ policy whereby photographs, names and addresses of convicted rapists are placed in strategic locations to shame them and deter would-be rapists while the convicts’ names are also entered into the Sex Offenders’ Register. A lawyer and Executive Director of Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion, Mrs Rita Ilevbare, listed efforts of the state government in the regard to include “putting in place of policies and laws, political will and institutional facility like the Sexual Assault Referral Centre”. Ilevbare added that “the state Ministry of Justice is prosecuting, the Ministry of Women Affairs is providing psycho-social support and even the various preventive activities that the Office of the Wife of the Governor is embarking on. “The governor’s wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, also ensures that she takes care of the children so that they can go back to school, to make them less exposed. When children are not in school and hawking around, they are likely to be exposed to violence,” Ilevbare said. But reeling out the incidents which were transferred to the State CID from various divisions and other sources between January and mid-April 2025, the police commissioner said, “On January 29, a case of rape was reported at Oye-Ekiti on behalf of a five years old victim. “The suspect, 30 years old Damilola Oladunjoye, lured the victim to his room and had carnal knowledge of her. The case has been charged to court”. The CP added that on February 2, a case of defilement of a nine-year-old girl was reported at Ikere-Ekiti. The victim was lured by the suspect, 17 years old Seun Jonathan, to his room where she was sexually assaulted. The case has been charged to court. He said, “On February 15 in Ado Ekiti, a case of defilement was reported on behalf of a four years old victim. The suspect, 15 years old Daniel Ademola, lured the girl child to an isolated place at Okeila area and took advantage of her. “The suspect confessed to the alleged crime and was subsequently charged to court”. Eribo stated that another suspected rapist, 35 years old Peter Ileteogu was arrested based on a petition received from Ekiti Sexual Assault referral Centre, Ado Ekiti, on behalf of a 15 years old victim. The police boss said, “The suspect lured the victim, who is his younger sister and sexually assaulted her. The suspect had been charged to court”. He added that one 31 years old Ademola Ariyo was also nabbed by detectives from the CID on February 27 for allegedly raping a 15 years old girl who he lured to his room. “The case was transferred from Ilupeju Division to State C.I.D, Ado-Ekiti. The case has been charged to court”. The list included the case of rape on March 4 at Ifaki Ekiti of a 25 years old, who is a younger sister to the girlfriend of the suspect, 32 years old Tosin Akindolu. Narrating how it happened, the CP said, “He lured the victim to a hotel room at Ifaki Ekiti where he forcibly had canal knowledge of her. The suspect confessed to the alleged crime and was charged to court”. Also, a 15 years old girl was allegedly raped by a 19 years old man, Taiwo Olujobi in Ado Ekiti on March 6, following which the suspect was arrested. He said, “The suspect lured the victim to his house at Okeoriomi Area of Ado Ekiti where he had canal knowledge of her. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the alleged crime and was later charged to court”. Also, two suspected rapists, 19 years old Michael Omoyejowo and 17 years old Olamilekan Ajepe, on March 13 conspired at Ido Ekiti and gangraped their schoolmate, a 15 years old girl. The CP said, “The victim and suspects were students of the same secondary school. They lured the victim to the first suspect’s house and had canal knowledge of her. Suspects confessed to the alleged crime and were later charged to court”. In another matter, a 34 years old suspect, Ayokanmi Ojoogun, allegedly raped his employee, a 20 years old lady at Iworoko Ekiti on April 2. “The victim was the employee of the suspect in his poultry farm, where he lured her to his office within his farm and had canal knowledge of her. On interrogation the suspect confessed to the alleged crime, but claimed to be consensual sex and was charged to court”. Also, Eribo said that an eight years old girl was allegedly defiled by 55 years old Solomon Ayodele at Igede Ekiti on April 5, saying, “The suspect lured the victim to his house at Igede Ekiti where he sexually abused her. The suspect denied the alleged crime”. The police commissioner said that a case of alleged defilement of a three years old girl by a 17 years old boy, Ayomide Julius, on 15th April was referred from the Rapid Response Squad of the state police command to the CID. He said, “The victim alleged that the suspect fingered her private part in the toilet. On interrogation the suspect confessed to the crime and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed. He said another rape incident occurred between students of a university at Ikere Ekiti where the suspect, 27 years old Oluwafemi Bejide, allegedly raped his 18 years old school mate on April 15. The CP said that the victim and the suspect were students of the same university, adding, “The suspect lured the victim to his house at Ikere Ekiti and forcibly had canal knowledge of her. The suspect confessed to the alleged crime. He will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is completed”. According to the police boss, two other cases involving abuse of children were recorded in the 14 months period including one referred to the CID from a Magistrates court on March 23. He said, “A nine years old girl was abused by a 35 years Amaka Nwaogalanya resident at behind Ologede Division, Ado Ekiti. The suspect was alleged to have beaten the victim and broke her arm. She was arrested, on interrogation, she confessed to the alleged crime and was charged to court. “Also, on April 2nd, a case of child abuse against a nine years old girl was reported at Ire Ekiti against 42 years old Okedunoya Owolabi. The suspect, who is the biological father of the victim beat her up and inflicted injuries all over her body. “The video went viral on social media. On interrogation the suspect confessed to the crime and was charged to court,” Eribo said. Gender advocate and Executive Director, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, Dr Oluwatumininu Akerele, said, “Rape continues to occur due to entrenched patriarchal values, weak law enforcement, poor sexuality education, drug abuse and societal stigmatization of survivors”. On what could be responsible for adults having interest in violating minors, the BIGIF ED said, “Several factors contribute, including psychological disorders, distorted sexual fantasies, abuse of power and trust and harmful cultural beliefs that promote child exploitation. “In some cases, perpetrators believe children are easy targets due to their vulnerability, silence or inability to defend themselves or speak up”. She added, “However, the increase in reported cases, especially involving minors, may also reflect growing awareness, improved public education and the gradual breakdown of the culture of silence. “Survivors and families are increasingly encouraged to report and seek justice as a result of advocacy and better implementation of protective laws unlike before when cases were treated as family matters that should not be heard outside. Akerele called on society to “reject harmful norms, support survivors without stigma and normalize open conversations on child safety. Communities should have a community structure/committee to respond and address cases of abuse on children. “The Police need continuous training on handling sexual violence cases with sensitivity and urgency, especially those involving children,” the BIGIF boss said. She also urged governments to “strengthen enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and Child Rights Act, fund survivor-centered services, and scale up public sensitization campaigns and comprehensive sexuality education in schools. “I also advocate that special fund should be allocated to both the law enforcement agencies and community child protection structures to effectively respond to cases of Gender-Based Violence at the grass root level. At BIGIF, we emphasize the importance of community involvement in child protection. Parents and caregivers must foster trust with their children, listen to them, and know the signs of abuse”. BIGIF urged all stakeholders – government, civil society, and the media – to intensify efforts in creating safe, youth-friendly environments, saying, “Let us work together to ensure every child is protected, every survivor is supported and every offender is held accountable”. The GRIP ED, Ilevbare, blamed persistence of rape on “our cultural and societal attitude to issues that concern women, the unequal power relation, the issue that women are people that can be trampled upon or that can be treated anyhow”. She said that digging deep into the perpetrators in rape cases in the instant situation with majority of the cases having to do with minors, “you will see that the perpetrators are not far from the victims cutting across fathers, brothers, religious leaders and uncles around the premises of those children. “Such shows that men who should stand in position of protection are the ones now abusing women”. She dismissed insinuation that indecent dressing or where the female go induced rape, querying, “How did the children aged three, four and five dress? Where could three, four and five years old have gone to that would warrant their being raped? Did they go to club house, did they follow any man anywhere?” Ilevbare urged that society should channel the same energy used for issues concerning man to those concerning women, adding, “There are laws, we should allow these laws to work. In as much as society will not allow the law to take its course on violence against women, we will not hear the last of it. “But we will not be deterred – for those of us on the field, we who are human rights activists, the various NGOs especially my organization, GRIP, we will continue to push. “I want to advise that children deserve protection and care. Parents must look out for their children. It is frightening that fathers, brothers, uncles, pastors, imams are the ones even violating these children. Parents should be extra careful,” the GRIP ED said.