July 9, 2025, marks Indian cinematic genius Guru Dutt’s 100th birth anniversary. The maverick filmmaker was much ahead of his times in the portrayal of women in cinema. Here are our top picks from his brilliant roster of films. Women in Guru Dutt’s films were not just mere side characters, but often the emotional and moral fulcrums. (Image: News18 Creative) The women in Guru Dutt’s films were complex characters, influencing, challenging, and at times redeeming the male heroes. Here are our favourite women characters from his movies. (Image: News18 Creative) Leena (Geeta Bali) in Baazi. (Image: News18 Creative) Maria (Geeta Bali) in Jaal. (Image: News18 Creative) Nisha (Geeta Bali) in Baaz. (Image: News18 Creative) Club dancer (Shakila) in Aar-Paar. (Image: News18 Creative) Kamini (Waheeda Rehman) in CID. (Image: News18 Creative) Meena (Waheeda Rehman) and Gulabo (Mala Sinha) in Pyaasa. (Image: News18 Creative) Shanti (Waheeda Rehman) in Kaagaz Ke Phool. (Image: News18 Creative) Chhoti Bahu (Meena Kumari) in Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. (Image: News18 Creative)