MUMBAI: Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra, had a humble beginning, working at a car workshop in Mumbai after Partition. However, his passion for writing led him to become a regular at the Progressive Writers Association (PWA), where he met lyricist Shailendra and director Bimal Roy. It was Roy who recognized Gulzar’s talent and gave him his first break in the film ‘Bandini’ (1963).
Despite initial setbacks, including being overshadowed by Shailendra in the film, Gulzar’s career took off after ‘Bandini’. His unique style and deep understanding of human emotions resonated with audiences, leading to a string of successful films as a lyricist and later as a director.
Gulzar’s collaborations with music directors like R.D. Burman and A.R. Rahman resulted in some of Hindi cinema’s most iconic songs, including ‘Tere Bina Zindagi Se’ and ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’. His films, known for their realistic portrayal of human relationships, have also earned critical acclaim.
Over the years, Gulzar’s work has evolved, but his commitment to his craft remains unwavering. He continues to inspire generations of artists with his creativity and vision, proving that true artistry knows no boundaries.
