Born Sampooran Singh Kalra
18 August 1934 (age 79)
Dina, Jhelum District, Punjab, British India
(now in Pakistan)
Occupation Film director, Lyricist, Screenwriter, Film producer, Poet
Years active
1971-1999 (as Director)
1956–present (as lyricist)
Spouse(s) Raakhee
Children Meghna Gulzar
Parents Makhan Singh Kalra and Sujan Kaur
Signature Gulzar signature
Gulzar is one of India’s most respected scriptwriters and film directors, and has been one of the most popular lyricists in mainstream Hindi cinema for over five decades. One of the country’s leading poets, he has published a number of poetry anthologies and collections of short stories. He is also
regarded as one of India’s finest writers for children.
Apart from many Filmfare and National Awards for his films and lyrics—and an Oscar and Grammy for the song Jai ho—Gulzar has received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002 and the Padma Bhushan in 2004. He lives and works in Mumbai.
4 th May 2014
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Lyricist- screenwriter Gulzar was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contributions to the growth of Indian Cinema at the 61st National Awards ceremony in New Delhi
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An Interview with Robin Roy of TOI
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[Gulzar to be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke AwardFilm fraternity congratulates Gulzar 'saab' for Dadasaheb Phalke AwardDirector-lyricist Gulzar to get Dadasaheb Phalke awardGulzar, Bollywood’s favourite lyricist, wins Dadasaheb Phalke awardVeteran film lyricist and director Gulzar chosen for Dadasaheb Phalke...
Filmmaker and poet Gulzar has been awarded the highest cinematic honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in recognition of his contribution to cinema. Gulzar sahib, who has earlier won numerous accolades including an Academy award and a Grammy, spoke with Robin Roy about themes that power his cinema, poetry versus films - and what he'd like to say to his fans today: ]
You've highlighted themes before they became norms. Your films featured powerful female protagonists — from Bandini to Queen, how have women on screen evolved?
Well, in real life, women have certainly changed a lot — the transition in films has been slower. In reality, women have attained great empowerment, they have really earned it. Unfortunately, in films it's taken quite some time for cine-goers to change their mindset. In fact, even today, you'd find a woman having a drink in a film is looked down upon.
In this context, a film like Meghna Gulzar's Filhaal was quite bold — but when they were approached for it, big names didn't dare be a part of it. However, later on, they took the route of surrogacy in real life, a theme which was closely depicted in the film.
Your 1971 film Mere Apne depicted the falling rupee in a 'Rupaiya' song, also capturing corruption and price rise. Did you imagine these would become huge mass issues, eventually moving elections?
I'm really amazed that someone today even remembers Mere Apne and that song and connects with it! I think there are certain things which only aggravate human life and perhaps as a poet and a filmmaker, success lies in conceiving or foreseeing the future. My movie Hu Tu Tu also talked about corruption.
These were always important issues but what hurts me is that related poetry pre-independence was so vibrant. It has become so depressing thereafter. It seems there's no hope left.
What would you call your best film and your toughest cinematic challenge so far?
Politically, my best film was Maachis while my best comedy was Angoor. In terms of human relationships, I think Koshish was most memorable as my actors playing deaf-mute characters had to improvise a lot. In fact, we all had to go to a special school to learn sign language. On emotions, I would rate Ijaazat as best.
Who's been the most impressive filmmaker in your view?
Bimal Roy.
Your bonding with music composer RD Burman is celebrated — how do you recall those creative days?
Well, you could say I gave RD Burman my youth!
As an artist in both worlds, how do cinema and poetry compare to each other?
A film is commissioned. You have to get into the groove, the script and characters. There are so many bindings.
Poetry is my commitment, it is a larger canvas — it is my kingdom.
What makes your work everlasting?
As long as people like my work, I last - and I last because I relate to characters and persons.
Finally, I can say this after all these years to past, present and future generations — mera kuch samaan tumhare paas padaa hai. Isse sambhalke rakhna, aye mere doston.
Some of my things are now with you. Do keep them carefully, my friends.
