‘Love and God’, once dreamt as a magnum opus like Mughal-e-Azam, turned into one of Hindi cinema’s darkest legends after the deaths of Guru Dutt, Sanjeev Kumar, and its director K. Asif before completion.
Published: October 3, 2025 6:53 PM IST
Bollywood has often seen films delayed due to financial troubles or creative disputes, but Love and God holds a unique, eerie place in cinema history. Released in 1986 after a painful 24-year wait, the film was not remembered for its story or music but for the tragic events that plagued it. By the time it reached theatres, two of its leading men and the director himself had passed away, giving it the reputation of being a “cursed” film.
What was the dream behind ‘Love and God’?
The ambitious project was helmed by K. Asif, the visionary director behind the timeless Mughal-e-Azam (1960). Determined to create another historical masterpiece, he chose to retell the tragic romance of Laila and Majnu. Actress Nimmi was cast as Laila, while Guru Dutt was persuaded to play Majnu, despite initial reluctance.
Shooting began in 1962, but fate had other plans. Guru Dutt, already battling personal and professional struggles, found himself sinking deeper into depression. His magnum opus Kaagaz Ke Phool had failed, his finances were strained, and his marriage with Geeta Dutt was on the rocks. One night, after a fight with his wife, Guru Dutt locked himself in his room, consumed alcohol and sleeping pills, and was found dead the next morning. His sudden death not only shocked the industry but also brought Love and God to a grinding halt.
How did Sanjeev Kumar step in?
Following Guru Dutt’s untimely demise, K. Asif recast Majnu with another celebrated actor, Sanjeev Kumar. Shooting resumed, but tragedy struck again in 1971. During a meeting with Sanjeev, K. Asif suddenly experienced breathing difficulties and died in the actor’s arms. The loss of their director left the film stranded once more, and for years no one dared to take it forward.
Why was the film considered ‘cursed’?
Despite the setbacks, Sanjeev Kumar later tried to revive the project, seeking support from leading producers and even legendary actor Dilip Kumar. Eventually, KC Bokadia stepped in to fund the incomplete film. But before its completion, another tragedy hit – Sanjeev Kumar himself died of a heart attack, leaving the project once again in limbo.
By now, Love and God were considered “unlucky” or “haunted” by many in the industry. With its two leading men and director gone, the film carried a shadow of doom around it.
What happened when it was finally released?
After 24 long years, the incomplete Love and God was finally released in 1986. The remaining parts were awkwardly finished with the help of a body double for Sanjeev Kumar. Despite the decades of hype, the film failed to impress audiences and was declared a major flop.
Yet, more than its box office fate, the film remains etched in Bollywood’s memory as a chilling reminder of how real-life tragedies can overshadow cinematic dreams. Even today, it is often recalled as one of the most “cursed” films ever made.
Highlights:
- Guru Dutt, Sanjeev Kumar, and director K. Asif all died before Love and God could be completed.
- The film took 24 years to reach theatres, only to flop badly in 1986.
- Its tragic history earned it the label of Bollywood’s “cursed” film.
