Even though he has worked for other banners too, Alvi was best known for working with Guru Dutt. He directed Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and wrote dialogue/screenplay for Mr. and Mrs. 55, Pyaasa, Chaudvin Ka Chaand and Aar Paar.
On his demise, lyricist/writer Gulzar shared an incident about Alvi. He spoke about a time when he had to once re-write the screenplay and dialogue of a film written by Alvi on the film's lead actor, Dilip Kumar's request as he didn't get along with Alvi. Gulzar then interacted with Alvi a lot and will always feel his loss every time he passes by Alvi's house.
Asha Parekh remembers Alvi as a refined, cultured man who knew a lot. She feels that all the great ones are slowly going away.