He wrote some of the most respected works of Indian cinema, including Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959) and Pyaasa (1957), which have an avid following the world over.

Alvi would write her long, romantic letters which very much delighted the young student and it all resulted in a sweet college romance.

[2] This led to his entrance into the Bombay cinema and Alvi developing an ability to work with actors before their filmed scenes.

The documentary was produced by Channel 4 and is included in the extra features section of Kaagaz Ke Phool and Chaudhvin ka Chand DVDs as well.

After his association with Guru Dutt and due to controversy regarding who actually directed Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, he was unable to do any notable directorial work.

He worked with Rajesh Khanna in two films - he was writer for Janta Hawaldar and wrote screenplay and dialogues for Begunaah.

An integral part of the Guru Dutt team, he is noted for writing such films as Aar-Paar (1954), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962), Kaagaz Ke Phool (1959), Pyaasa (1957) and Mr. & Mrs. '55.