Gul-e Gulzar (discussing Gulzar saab's lyrics) with Surela C

Gul-e-Gulzar, a morning of Gulzar saab's lyrics and gup-shup 

Songs are poetry set into meter. Those meaningful words and lilting tunes leave an indelible mark in our minds. Such songs become classics. Sampooran Singh Kalra popularly known to the world as Gulzar is the writer of many such lyrics that remain fresh as if they were just penned yesterday. 

He started his career as a lyricist in Bimal Roy’s film ‘Bandini’. The song ‘Mora Gora Ang Lai Le’ pictured on Nutan has become a part of history. He is not just a poet and lyricist, but has directed films like Aandhi, Mausam and a series Mirza Ghalib. 

He has written dialogues and scripts for many films. He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Sahitya Academy Award, Emmy Award and five national awards in different categories. ‘Jai Ho’ in the iconic film ‘Slum Dog Millionaire’ brought him the Oscar and Golden Globe.

What makes Gulzar’s lyrics special is its relatability and that it cuts across classes. Translator Sunjoy Shekhar aptly points out in the introduction of his book ‘100 Lyrics Gulzar’ how a rickshaw wala bangs his head with nonchalance to ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ versus a professor enjoys the meaningful lyrics steeped in Sufi traditions. 

While we can’t stop dancing to many of the songs for which has given his words, most of them are so profound. You have to peel through its layers to reach the core, much like you would do to a rose.

Presenting to you some of his unforgettable lyrics translated by Sunjoy Shekhar.

Come over!

Where? On Zoom. Mail lampshadewriters@gmail.com for the Zoom link. Entry is free.

When? 26-September-2021, 11 am

Everybody with a love for poetry is invited. 

About the moderator:

Surela is a freelance writer by profession. Her works has been published in both print and digital media. She loves to dabble with poetry and short story writing in her spare time. Like most of us, she enjoys watching films, storytelling, listening to music and dancing.

You can read her work on medium or her website