On the occasion of 'Celebrate Cinema 2025' at Whistling Woods, 91-year-old Gulzar captivated all as always

Gulzar... just the name brings a unique warmth to the heart. It brings to mind the fragrance of stories, couplets, and songs that flow from the heart, not the tongue. But did you know that Gulzar Sahib, whose wrote so many films and songs, actually didn't want to enter cinema? Yes, his first love wasn't for films, but for books.

On the occasion of 'Celebrate Cinema 2025' at Whistling Woods, 91-year-old Gulzar Sahib himself revealed that he loved books. He said, "I never wanted to enter cinema, nor did I want to write for cinema. Even if someone asked me to, I would often refuse. I loved books and I used to read literature." He said, "I loved seeing my name on books of literary short stories. Yes, I watched beautiful films, but I wasn't particularly passionate about cinema, nor did I want to be a director. But then the inclination to write for cinema began when I entered this industry."

It should be noted that Gulzar has written acclaimed books such as "Ravi Paar," "Triveni," "Boski's Panchatantra," and "Actually... I Met Them: A Memoir."

Gulzar's real name is Sampurn Singh Kalra. He was born in pre-partition Punjab. From childhood, he had a passion for reading and writing, but life led him to the path of films. This journey was very similar to that of film's story. It is said that his friend Debu Sen and lyricist Shailendra introduced Gulzar to films.

Shailendra introduced him to Bimal Roy, the legend Bimal Roy, who made "Bandini."

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The song "Mora Gora Ang Lai Le" from the film "Bandini" catapulted Gulzar into the film world. Even at a time when legends like Sachin Dev Burman and Shailendra were present. It is said that for some reason, Shailendra was not working with Burman at the time, and Gulzar received the offer to write the song. Shailendra himself advised Bimal Roy, "Give this young man a chance." And the rest is history.

Recalling his meeting with the legendary filmmaker Bimal Roy, Gulzar said that he met Bimal Roy at the behest of his close friend, Debu Sen (who was an assistant to the legendary filmmaker-director), as well as the renowned lyricist Shailendra.

Gulzar recounts that when he first met Bimal Roy, Bimal Roy remarked, "How could this young man possibly write Vaishnav poetry (a devotional form focused on love for God)? He doesn't know pure Hindi, and how could someone with the name, Gulzar, possibly write Vaishnav songs?" But when Bimal Da was told that his real name was Sampuran and that he knew both pure Hindi and Bengali, Bimal Da asked, " tum likhega? Will you write?" Taken aback by this sudden question from a legend like Bimal Roy, young Gulzar said "yes," but then he had a second thought. Gulzar Sahib said, "I did say yes, but at that time I couldn't understand what I had done."

Later, Sachin Da composed the tune, and Gulzar Sahab wrote the song "Mora Gora Ang Lai Le, Mohe Sham Rang Dai De," and that song created history that remains etched in people's hearts even today.

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Time passed, and Gulzar's name became synonymous with poetry and simplicity in Hindi cinema. Films like "Koshish," "Aandhi," "Parichay," "Maachis," and "Hu Tu Tu" created a distinct era. He transformed cinema not just into a story on screen but into an experience.

During the session, when asked how he remains so active at 91, he simply replied, "I'm just moving with the times. I'm living what I learned from my teachers; I'm not here to teach anyone. I enjoy learning from the new generation." He said, "I try to keep pace with the times."

Gulzar Sahib mentioned that Indian music has gained global recognition today, and A.R. Rahman is largely responsible for this. "Earlier, when our films were released in other countries, there the songs were removed. But now, people ask us to include songs. Rahman gave music a new face and a new identity."

The duo of Rahman and Gulzar created songs like "Jai Ho," "Chaiya Chaiya," and "Tere Bina," which remain iconic symbols of Indian music today.

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Filmmaker Subhash Ghai, lyricist Kausar Munir, and director Salim Arif were also present at the event. They had a candid conversation with Gulzar on "Poetry and Music." Ghai also announced the launch of a new course at Whistling Woods—"Poetry and Literature"—which was jointly launched by Gulzar, Kausar Munir, and Salim Arif.

When you hear Gulzar Sahab say, "I am still learning," it's hard to believe that this is the same man who illuminated every era of Indian cinema with his pen. But that's precisely his strength—his passion for learning, his willingness to keep pace with the times and his ability to live life like poetry.

Today, when many people seek shortcuts to fulfill their dreams, Gulzar reminds us that whether love is for books or cinema, if it's true—the destination comes naturally.

His life teaches us that an artist never ends, they transform into a new story with every era.

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#RanbirKapoor was seen arriving at the Celebrate Cinema 2025 event at Whistling Woods where he'll be giving a tribute to #RajKapoor and #GuruDutt.#FilmfareLens#Celebspic.twitter.com/h8q33xUXmz

— Filmfare (@filmfare) October 9, 2025

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