Who doesn't know Gulzar? Sampooran Singh Kalra known by his pen name Gulzar, is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist, and film director. Born in 1936 in Jhelum, British India (now Pakistan), he began his career as a songwriter in the Hindi film industry in the early 1960s. He has written lyrics for over 200 films in various Indian languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Bengali. Some notable examples of songs written by him are:
- "Tere Bina Zindagi Se" from the movie "Aandhi" (1975) sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar.
- "Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi" from the movie "Masoom" (1983) sung by Lata Mangeshkar.
- "Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna" from the movie "Kudrat" (1981) sung by Kishore Kumar.
- "Dil Dhundta Hai" from the movie "Firaq" (1990) sung by Jagjit Singh.
Gulzar's poetry is known for its simple, direct, and evocative language. His words have the power to touch the hearts of people from all walks of life. He often draws inspiration from everyday experiences, and his poetry is characterized by its wit, humor, and irony. His work reflects the struggles and joys of the common man, making it relatable and timeless.
Gulzar's Style:
Like Ghalib, Gulzar's poetry is known for its use of simple language and a deep understanding of human emotions. Both Ghalib and Gulzar use a conversational tone in their poetry, making it accessible to a wide audience. Additionally, both poets have a deep understanding of the Urdu language and use it in a masterful way to convey complex emotions and ideas.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz is another poet whose style is often compared to Gulzar's. Both Faiz and Gulzar's poetry is known for political and social commentary. Faiz's poetry often dealt with issues related to the working class, while Gulzar's poetry deals with a wide range of issues including social justice, politics, and human relationships. Both poets are known for their powerful imagery and metaphors, and their ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader.
Gulzar's Notable Works:
In addition to his work in film, Gulzar has also published several collections of poetry. His first collection, "Raat Pashmine Ki" (A Night of Patches), was published in 1964. He has since published many more collections, including "Dhuan" (Smoke), "Saanp" (Snakes), and "Chuni Huyee Kavitayen" (Chosen Poems). These collections showcase the range and depth of his work and are a testament to his skill as a poet.
- Translation of English and other languages to Urdu:
Gulzar is known for his work in translating works from various languages into Urdu. He has translated works from English, Bengali, and Punjabi into Urdu, making them accessible to a wider audience. One of his notable contributions is the translation of Rabindranath Tagore's works into Urdu, which helped introduce Tagore's poetry and literature to Urdu readers. He has translated many of Tagore's poetry collections and plays, including "Gitanjali", "The Post Office", "The Home and the World", and "The Gardener". His work in translating Tagore's works has been widely appreciated and has helped to deepen the understanding of Tagore's literature among Urdu readers.
Gulzar also translated stories of Bengali writer, Moti Nandi into Urdu which was widely read and appreciated. He has also translated Punjabi literature into Urdu, including the works of Punjabi poets such as Amrita Pritam and Shiv Kumar Batalvi.
Awards:
Gulzar has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Indian literature and cinema. In 2001, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his contributions to Indian cinema. In 2004, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for his collection of poems, "Collected Poems of Gulzar." In 2013, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest award in Indian cinema, for his lifetime achievement in Indian cinema.
Gulzar is a versatile and celebrated poet, lyricist, and film-maker who has left a profound impact on Indian literature and cinema. His works are a blend of simplicity, depth, and relatability that continues to resonate with readers and listeners of all ages. He has played an important role in bringing literature from different languages and cultures to Urdu readers, and his translations have helped to expand the literary landscape of Urdu literature. He has brought the works of many famous writers to Urdu readers, and in doing so, has helped to bridge the gap between different cultures and languages.
Below are two poems written by Gulzar.
"Raat" (Night)
Raat chup hai
Magar dil nahi
Raat ke andhery mein
Dil tumko dhund raha hai
Raat suni hai
Magar dil bayan kar raha hai
"Kitabein" (Books)
Kitabein bhi ajeeb hoti hain
Kabhi zindagi deti hain
Kabhi zindagi le leti hain
Kitabein kabhi aankhon se
Kabhi dil se padhi jati hain
Kitabein kabhi hansi deti hain
Kabhi aansu
Kitabein kabhi sach batati hain
Kabhi jhooth
Kitabein kabhi dost hoti hain
Kabhi dushman
Kitabein bhi ajeeb hoti hain
Written by Amna Nafees
