Gulzar
Gulzar: A Life of Poetry and Music
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Hardevendra Singh Sapani, known to the world by his pen name Gulzar, is a renowned Indian poet, lyricist, novelist, screenwriter, poet, and director. His real name is often used in formal contexts, but 'Gulzar' has become synonymous with creativity and artistry.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on August 18, 1936, Gulzar's life spanned over eight decades, allowing him to make a lasting impact on the Indian film industry. Although he is still alive, we can reflect on his remarkable journey so far.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Gulzar is an Indian poet and filmmaker who has made significant contributions to various creative fields. His work spans across poetry, songwriting, screenwriting, and novel writing. He has been involved in the production of numerous films and television series, cementing his status as a multi-faceted artist.
Early Life and Background
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Born in Dina, Punjab (now Pakistan), Gulzar moved to Delhi at the age of three due to partition. His family's struggles during this period instilled in him an understanding of social injustice and empathy for those facing hardships. This early exposure would later influence his work in highlighting human suffering and social issues.
Growing up, Gulzar was introduced to literature by his parents, who encouraged a love for reading and writing from an early age. He began writing short stories and poems as a teenager, laying the groundwork for a lifelong passion that would define him professionally.
Major Accomplishments
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Gulzar's journey in the film industry began with his work on Do Raaste (1967), followed by Mera Gaon Mera Desh (1971) and Aandhi (1975). His breakthrough as a lyricist came with the iconic song "Dil Preeton Ka" from the film Anuraag (1993).
Throughout his career, Gulzar has received numerous accolades for his work. He is a Padma Bhushan recipient (2001) and has won two National Film Awards for Best Lyricist. His contribution to Indian cinema was recognized with a lifetime achievement award at the 2016 IIFA Awards.
Notable Works or Actions
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Gulzar's output as a writer, director, and poet is vast and varied. Some of his notable works include:
Raag Darbari, his debut novel published in 1964, which explores themes of love and social inequality.
Maavoor Ki Awaaz, a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships.
The screenplay for Anuraag*, a film set against the backdrop of India's partition.
Impact and Legacy
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Gulzar's influence on Indian cinema cannot be overstated. His lyrics have become an integral part of the country's musical heritage, transcending generations. He has inspired countless writers, poets, and musicians with his unique voice and perspective.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Gulzar is widely quoted for his poignant words on love, loss, and the human condition. His poetry and songwriting are imbued with a deep understanding of social justice and empathy. He has been remembered as a true artist who has captured the essence of India's struggles and triumphs.
As we reflect on Gulzar's life, it becomes clear that his impact will continue to resonate through generations.
Quotes by Gulzar
We've talked and written about the World War so much that it has almost been purged off. The bitterness is gone. The drama came to an end and it is history.
I had written the song 'aaza aaza Shamiyane ke tale... ' for Ghai's film 'Yuvvraj' but he felt the song did not suit his film and Rahman suggested that the track should be used in 'Slumdog' and it fitted well with the movie.
Translations are very important these days, since an average person can only know 2-3 three languages. We have so many languages in India and poems are being written in as many of them.
If a film promotes communal harmony, which for me is beyond religion, I am happy to work on it because the film's premise is in line with my beliefs.
I used to put black ink on the author's name in a book and write my name instead to check how it would look there - such was my passion!
When I write a poem, I do not have to worry about using a higher Urdu vocabulary because I know the reader knows Urdu well.
There is an old guest house opposite my house, and grandsons visit from time to time from the U.S., every time grown up a little. I don't know whether the same grandchildren come every time or it is someone else.
I believe words should amaze or amuse. Only then will the listener want to understand the meaning of the song.