Gulzar

Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra on 18 August 1934 in Jhelum, then British India, is an Indian poet, lyricist, film director and screenwriter. Writing under the pen name Gulzar, he has been a prolific contributor to Hindi cinema and modern Indian literature. He began his career as a writer and lyricist in the 1960s and later directed and wrote several acclaimed films.

In cinema, Gulzar is known for his collaborations with composers such as R. D. Burman and A. R. Rahman, and for lyrics that blend everyday speech with poetic imagery. Notable works include the films Koshish (1972) and Mere Apne (1971), which he directed and wrote, as well as Aandhi (1975). He also wrote lyrics for numerous hit songs, such as "Chaiyya Chaiyya" from Dil Se and "Humko Humise Chura Lo" from Mohabbatein. His lyricism is praised for its emotional clarity and social awareness, often addressing themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

Gulzar has received several awards, including the Padma Bhushan (2004) for his contributions to the arts, and multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare honors. He was the lyricist for "Jai Ho" in Slumdog Millionaire, the song that won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Beyond films, Gulzar continues to publish poetry and write for theatre and television, making him a central figure in contemporary Indian literature and cinema.