Gulzar on Ghalib

REMEMBRANCE

Sampooran Singh Kalra known popularly by his pen name Gulzar, is on a trip these days. No, he’s trippy for all the right reasons though!

The poet, lyricist and director is high on Mirza Ghalib and can’t stop talking about him. In the City recently to celebrate the 214th birth anniversary of Ghalib, Gulzar tells Metrolife about how much the great poet means to him.

Born in Pakistan, in 1934, Gulzar came to India after partition and started his life as a garage mechanic in Mumbai. He started working soon as an assistant to director Bimal Roy and Hrishikesh Mukherjee leaving his previous line of work. Gulzar has written stories for more than 60 films and directed 17 movies, in his career spanning 40 years.

During 1980s he did one of the most memorable works for the small screen, the serial titled Mirza Ghalib which was a tribute to the legendary poet. Mirza Ghalib will remain one of the most memorable TV programmes for its script, direction, dialogues and portrayal of Ghalib by Naseeruddin Shah.

“He is indeed India’s greatest poet of the 19th century. He was not only a poet but also the best chronicler of the most distressing and disruptive period of Indian history. In sheer imagery, every bit of which has been derived from the sights and sounds of India, he prevails supreme,” he says.  In fact, Gulzar calls himself the third servant of Ghalib, next to Ghalib’s wife and his faithful servant. “His other servants have passed away, as has Ghalib, but I am still in his service,” says Gulzar, dressed in his trademark white kurta pajama, off-white sleeveless sweater and shawl.

Queried on his definition of the existence of linguistic magnificence of Ghalib’s work, he says, “There is only one answer to it, it’s Ghalib and only Ghalib.” He further adds, “Ghalib’s haveli has actually suffered a vehement negligence until the recent years. Despite that I feel great to be here this year as the haveli seems to relive the existence of the laureate,” he says, admiring Delhi government’s attempt to restore the haveli and declare it a museum.

Two years ago Gulzar also penned a book, a tribute to Mirza Ghalib titled Mirza Ghalib - A Biographical Scenario. The book features the life and times of the legendary poet from the 18th century onwards.

Gulzar has won five National Awards and 19 Filmfare trophies. He has been awarded the Sahitya Akademy Award in 2003 for his collection of short stories Dhuaan. He has also won the Oscar for Best Song with music director A R Rahman for the song Jai Ho! (Slumdog Millionaire). Despite, these laurels, Gulzar’s fascination for Ghalib refuses to die down.

“Celebration of Ghalib’s birth anniversary is a positive step towards keeping the legendary poet’s memories alive. But still we have to take initiatives to preserve our heritage, literature for the upcoming generations. Public should come forward and raise their voice and funds,” he signs off.