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A Glimpse into Gulzar Saab's Life and Work

It's remarkable to think that Gulzar Saab has reached the age of 91. His sharp wit and poetic insights remain as vibrant as they were when he penned his first film lyric, 'Mora gora ang lai le' for Bimal Roy's 'Bandini.' Even now, he plays tennis each morning to maintain his fitness and keep up with his grandson, Samay.

Gulzar's poetry is beloved, yet understanding the mind behind such exquisite film lyrics and films that have transformed our perception of human relationships within the realm of aesthetic cinema is no easy feat.

I fondly remember how accessible Gulzar Saab was, despite his legendary status. At that time, I was just an enthusiastic writer eager to express my thoughts. He had come across my reflections on his timeless poetry and recognized my admiration. We exchanged thoughts on the language of the heart, particularly when I reviewed his remarkable songs from the non-film album 'Dil Padosi Hai,' where he collaborated with Asha Bhosle and his cherished music director, R.D. Burman.

I once misunderstood his use of the word 'joothe' (used/soiled) instead of 'jhoothe' (deceitful). He took the time to clarify the distinction, enriching my understanding with his profound knowledge and willingness to share wisdom with someone he saw as a kindred spirit.

The Depth of Gulzar's Lyrics

To this day, I ponder the significance of the unique and evocative words he employs in his songs. I was particularly intrigued by the line 'Apne Sali ve appee uthaye...' from the song 'Din ja rahe hain ke raaton ke saaye' in 'Doosri Sita.'

When I called him to inquire, he was engrossed in a cricket match with his team. Good-naturedly, he grumbled about my question before explaining that 'sali' refers to the cross Jesus Christ bore to the crucifixion site, and 'appee' was a term he adopted from the writer Rajinder Singh Bedi.

Who else but Gulzar Saab could weave such profound influences into a single, intricate line of lyrical vision that encapsulates the poet's poignant journey from poetry to film lyrics?

Today, Gulzar Saab expresses his dismay over the mediocrity that pervades various aspects of life. He reminisces about the late R.D. Burman, the musical genius behind many of his enchanting melodies.

Reflections on Friendship and Creativity

In a candid moment, he shared, 'Pancham and I were very close friends and creative partners. He’s irreplaceable in my art. Isn’t that evident from what you see and hear in my films after his death? My house is filled with his memories. I keep writing poems about him. Beyond that, I don’t need to declare my feelings for him... My lyrics used to drive Pancham to despair. 'Arrey yaar, tu phir aa gaya!' Remember the phrase 'Tinkon ke nasheman tak' in 'Aandhi?' Pancham wanted to know the location of 'Nasheman.' But it was mutual; he’d sometimes use unusual phrases that I’d incorporate into my lyrics. Things are just not the same without Pancham. He was so integral to my cinema... Pancham’s loss is irreparable in my life. Pancham is Pancham.'

Yet, he brightens up when he mentions his collaborations with A.R. Rahman, Anu Malik, Shankar-Ehsan Loy, and Vishal Bhardwaj, appreciating their fresh sound and expressing his happiness to be part of it.

While I don’t claim to hold the same significance in Gulzar's life as his beloved Pancham, I feel a special connection with him. Gulzar Saab has a unique ability to make you feel valued, and his lyrics resonate with that same harmony.

The Essence of Human Relationships in Gulzar's Work

Consider the lines 'Humne dekhi hai un aankhon ki mehekti khushboo haath se chooke issey rishton ka ilzaam na do.' These lines beautifully encapsulate the indestructible and intangible nature of human relationships.

I once overheard another lyricist mock those lines, questioning how one could see 'mehekti khushboo' in the eyes or what 'geela-geela pani' meant. I feel pity for those overly pragmatic individuals who fail to appreciate the beauty of a fragrance as Lataji sings 'Humne dekhi hai' or sense the delicate flutter of a wing against a cloud as Ashaji sings 'Phir se aiyo badra bidesi tere pankh mein moti jadungi.'

Gulzar took me under his wing, enriching my understanding with the pearls of his knowledge. While he is celebrated as a poet, lyricist, writer, and director, he is much more—a visionary who can delve into the essence of humanity and extract the most precious insights from life's simplest images.

Lessons from Gulzar's Artistic Journey

Among the many lessons I've learned from him through his art and character, the most significant is to prioritize human connections over professional ties. 'Don’t write any and everything in your columns. Withhold information. It’s always preferable to not give away everything,' he advised.

Gulzar Saab's poetry flows from his entire being. Since his entry into Hindi cinema with 'Mora gora ang lai le' in 'Bandini,' his words and imagery have left a lasting impression on audiences. His dialogues and scripts for films like Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s 'Ashirwaad' and Asit Sen’s 'Khamoshi,' along with his directorial works such as 'Mere Apne, Khushboo, Mausam, Maachis,' and 'Hu-tu-tu,' have consistently bridged the gap between mainstream and realistic cinema.

Gulzar Saab has not directed any films recently, expressing, 'I guess one reason for this is the changed atmosphere in the film industry. I feel like a discordant note in the present-day cacophony.'

Challenges in Modern Lyricism

When asked about the most challenging song he has written, he reflected, 'One of the most difficult songs I wrote was 'Ek tha bachpan' for Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s 'Aashirwad.' There, I had to view a father's memory through the eyes of a woman and a child. Capturing that dual perspective in a single song was no easy task. But then, who said life was simple? It’s as simple or as complicated as we choose to make it.'

Such sincerity shines through in his cinematic poetry. Each piece emerges with the inevitability of a spring flower blooming in the morning dew, reflecting the complexities of the human condition.

Even seemingly light-hearted lyrics like 'Chand churake laya hoon, Dakiya daak laya' and 'Dhanno ki aankhon mein' conceal a wealth of subtle meanings waiting to surface.

Gulzar's Humble Beginnings and Nostalgia

It's fascinating to learn how Gulzar Saab's first lyrical opportunity arose. He recalled, 'It was for Bimal-da's 'Bandini.' Shailendra was initially set to write all the lyrics, but something transpired between them, leading to my chance to write a lyric. That’s how 'Mora gora ang' in 'Bandini' came to me, transforming a motor mechanic into a film lyricist.'

Gulzar Saab often reminisces about the past, expressing, 'How I miss those greats from the past with whom I had the privilege to work, like Burman Dada, Hemant Kumar, Salilda, and directors like Bimalda and Hrishikesh Mukherjee. They made such a difference to cinema.'

Concerns Over the Decline of Film Music Standards

He lamented the declining standards of film music, stating, 'Suddenly, the quality of lyrics has drastically diminished. Something tragic is happening to the music market. The level of writing has fallen significantly. Even when there’s a chance to write aesthetic lyrics, the vocabulary is severely limited. As a lyricist, I’m not allowed to go beyond the prescribed words. If I use an unfamiliar term, I have to provide numerous explanations and justifications.'

When asked about the reasons for these declining standards, he noted, 'One issue is that many filmmakers create Hindi films without a proper understanding of the language. Their knowledge of Hindi often comes from advertisements and popular films, which poses a significant challenge for lyricists. In the past, producers would either accept or reject a lyric, but now there are strange demands. 'Yeh daal do woh daal do.' Out of ten songs I’m expected to write, 'Chaiyyan chaiyyan' comes up at least five times for reference. Regardless of the context, they want to sneak 'Chal Chaiyyan Chaiyyan' into the song. Either they fail to understand me, or I fail to understand them. I truly enjoyed working with Mani Rathnam on 'Dil Se.' He’s the only director who asked me for abstract images in my songs, engaging with me like a painter and a poet.'

Gulzar's Enduring Legacy

In a world increasingly filled with mediocrity, Gulzar represents the pinnacle of excellence that we seem to be losing touch with. He refuses to write a single line that is even remotely vulgar or compromised, even if it means producing less work.

His output is significantly less compared to some of his contemporaries, but he finds solace in knowing that every word comes from the heart. He laughs, 'We need Gulzar Saab to remind us that songs aren’t just about humming a tune. They often hum the secret of a meaningful life.'

He once shared, 'I never view life’s ups and downs in a straight line. There are always rough edges, zigzags, and uneven corners... my words convey the 'utar-chadhao' of life.'

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