Guide, based on a novel by RK Narayan was made in two versions in 1965 – the Hindi one was directed by Dev Anand’s brother Vijay Anand and the Hollywood one by Tad Danielewski. American novelist Pearl S. Buck, a Nobel laureate, co-produced the English movie with Dev Anand and wrote its script.

The English version had an alternative title, Survival. The idea was to introduce Dev Anand to English-speaking audiences.

Although the Hindi version, co-starring Waheeda Rehman, is considered a Bollywood landmark, the English one has rarely been publicly seen in India, having been withdrawn hastily after its US release spawned indifferent reviews.

The English version was actually the first one that was shot, and it is faithful to the adult theme of the book, which deals with adultery.

After it flopped at the US box-office, Dev Anand decided to remake it in Hindi but watered down the adult content of the original novel. Vijay Anand was so shocked to read the original script, he is said to have twice turned down the offer to direct it before finally relenting.

Dev Anand, who has acted in 125 films and directed 36, has spoken elsewhere of the challenge of making a movie on adultery in 1960s India.

Legendary actor-director Dev Anand Thursday inaugurated a retrospective of films by his brother Vijay Anand at the 38th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and said a tribute to the late filmmaker was a homage to a great master.

Dev Anand got a standing ovation at the launch function that was also attended by Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat and film festival director Neelam Kapur.

“Paying tribute to Vijay Anand is like paying tribute to a great master. I’m not saying this because he is my brother. His sense of scripting and filmmaking was incredible. When he used to come on the sets he used to be the king,” said Dev Anand, who came with his son Sunil for the special function here.

The retrospective started with all-time classic “Guide”, and the show was houseful.

Based on a novel by R.K. Narayan, the film revolves around a tourist guide, played by Dev Anand, and a dancer, essayed by Waheeda Rehman, who is not happy with her married life.