Sampooran Singh Kalra, known globally by his pen name Gulzar, is a monumental figure in Indian cinema and literature. Born on August 18, 1936, in Dina (now in Pakistan), Gulzar relocated to Delhi following the partition of India. His journey in the world of cinema began as an assistant to filmmaker Bimal Roy, a role that laid the foundation for his illustrious career. Initially writing under the longer pen name “Gulzar Deenvi,” he later shortened it to “Gulzar” after his father’s disapproval, marking the start of a name that would become iconic in Indian arts.
Impactful Beginnings: Songwriting and Direction
Gulzar’s entry into the film industry as a lyricist and director set him apart. His collaboration with music director S. D. Burman for the film “Bandini” highlighted his unique lyrical style. He made his directorial debut with “Mere Apne,” a remake of the Bengali film “Apanjan.” His innovative contributions to cinema earned him international recognition, including a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture for the song “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire,” illustrating his significant global impact.
Gulzar Achievements and Legacy
In addition to his film career, Gulzar has made remarkable contributions to literature. His daughter, Meghna Gulzar, has followed in his footsteps as a writer and director. At the age of 84, Gulzar published his debut novel “Two,” a work of fiction based on real-life experiences from India’s partition. Though he primarily writes in Urdu and Hindustani, his works have been translated into English, allowing a broader audience to experience his poetic mastery.
Iconic Collaborations with Music Composers
Gulzar’s collaborations with various music composers have produced timeless melodies. His work with Salil Chowdhury in “Anand” (1971) and “Mere Apne” (1971) yielded memorable songs like “Maine Tere Liye Hi Saat Rang Ke Sapne Chune.” With Madan Mohan, he created the evocative track “Dil Dhoondta Hai” for “Mausam” (1975). His partnerships with Vishal Bhardwaj resulted in hits such as “Chappa Chappa” from “Maachis” (1996) and “Beedi” from “Omkara” (2006). Additionally, his collaborations with A. R. Rahman, including the iconic “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire,” and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s “Kajra Re” from “Bunty Aur Babli” (2005) further cement his legacy as a lyrical genius in Indian cinema.