Gulzar Turns 91: Celebrating the Legendary Poet & Lyricist

DEEPANSHU SHARMA

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Born as Sampooran Singh Kalra on August 18, 1934, in Dina, Punjab (current day Pakistan), Gulzar developed a love for liteature from a young age

He moved to Mumbai and worked as a mechanic, writing poems to pass time before destiny led him to the film industry

Gulzar's breakthrough came with the Bimal Roy film Bandini (1963) as a lyricist. His words and soulful poetry made him Bollywood's most celebrated lyricists 

Beyond lyrics, Gulzar also directed classic movies like Mausam, Aandhi, and Koshish, telling stories that blend social themes with emotional depth

A legend in every sense of the word, Gulzar has published poetry and essays in both Urdu and Hindi, becoming a cultural icon who has trasncended generations

His celebrated career has made him the recipient of multiple National awards , Filmfare awards, Oscar and a Grammy for Slumdog Millionaire's "Jai Ho"

From old classics to modern collaborations, Gulzar's verse continue to inspire filmmakers, musicians, and readers, proving his art is timeless