3 days ago
This Bollywood Lyricist Was Born Hindu But Is 'Culturally Muslim'
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His journey began in 1963 with "Mora Gora Rang Laile" for Bimal Roy's Bandini. Over the years, he gave gems like "Tere Bina Zindagi," "Kajrare Kajrare," and "Chaiya Chaiya"
A legendary lyricist and poet continues to shine in Hindi cinema and literature. Known for unforgettable songs in Hindi films, he has penned works in Urdu, Punjabi, Khariboli, and Hindi, leaving a lasting impact on generations. Born Sampurn Singh Kalra, Gulzar's poetry and lyrics remain deeply cherished across the country.
Gulzar's works often reflect the pain of partition, the essence of Delhi's streets, and the influence of Ghalib's writings. In an interview, he described himself as 'culturally Muslim' due to his mixed Hindi and Urdu heritage, a sentiment evident in his writings.
His journey began in 1963 with the song ' Mora Gora Rang Laile ' for Bimal Roy's film ' Bandini '. Over the years, he has gifted us numerous gems like ' Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa Nahin ', ' Kajrare Kajrare ', and ' Chaiya Chaiya ', showcasing the diverse hues of his pen. His writings vividly portray the transition from Delhi's Ballimaran lanes to Mumbai's bustling trains.
Born on August 18, 1934 in Jhelum (now in Pakistan), Gulzar has always captivated audiences with his simplicity, sensitivity, and profound words. His life is perhaps best understood through the perspective of his daughter, Meghna Gulzar, a successful film director known for films like ' Raazi ', ' Chhapaak ', and ' Sam Bahadur '. Meghna often shares that her father played a pivotal role not just as a writer or lyricist, but as a responsible and sensitive guardian.
Gulzar married actress Rakhee, but they separated when their daughter Boski (Meghna) was just one year old. Despite the separation, Gulzar ensured Meghna never felt the absence of her mother. At the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2019, Meghna emotionally recounted how her father never scolded her but maintained discipline.
Gulzar took care of all her needs, from preparing her for school to picking her up in the afternoon. He allowed her freedom but emphasised the importance of education, with the rule, 'Complete your studies, then do whatever you want to do."
Gulzar's powerful voice also resonates through his dialogues in television advertisements and films, often sounding like poetry. Even today, when he speaks on stage, audiences listen in rapt silence, reflecting the timeless appeal of his words and sentiments.
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