“No make-up, No eye-brows dancing, No fast dialogues—that’s how genius Gulzar-saab projected my 'natural simple charm' on-screen,” recalled iconic Hema Malini at Yatindra Mishra's bio-book ‘Hazaar Raahen…’ release by Chaitanya Padukone

It’s simply incredible that multi-faceted ‘living legend’ Gulzar-saab, who’s nearing 90 years of age, seems fit-n-fine and has a fantastic enviable recall memory. As always, his extempore lyrical speeches are marked by a sparkling sense of wit and humour This time it was at the release event of this Hindi masterpiece autobiographical book titled  “Gulzar Saab--Hazaar Raahein Muddh Ke Dekhein written by National Award-winning prolific poet-writer-author Yatindra Mishra.

The ‘masterpiece-bio-book’ on Gulzar was launched at the hi-tech Veda Kunba Theatre (CINTAA Tower)  in Mumbai in the presence of Bollywood glitterati-literary luminaries including chief guest Hema Malini, Subhash Ghai, Rajasaheb Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra Sahitya Akademi award winner Sheen Kaaf Nizam, theatre-stalwart Salim Arif and noted actress Lubna Salim, acclaimed writer-lyricist and CBFC Chief Prasoon Joshi, movie director-composer Vishal Bhardwaj, prolific author Sathya Saran,  famous singer Malini Awasthi, producer Eram Faridi, eminent music-centric author Vishwas Nerurkar, popular star actors Anup Soni, Shailesh Lodha, Rupali Suri, Abhay Bhargava, Tinaa Ghaai, Deepak Qazir Kejriwal, Ravi Jhankal, and artist Nityam Singha Roy among others added to the graceful glam-glitter of the late evening event compered by articulate writer-poet-anchor Yunus Khan.

 Known for her candid nature modest ‘living legend’ and star M.P. Hema Malini, “When author Yatindra invited me to be a chief guest to launch Gulzar Saab: Hazara Rahein Muddh Ke Dekhin..., I found it to be exciting The book covers over 14 years of Yatindra Mishra’s frequent interactions with Gulzar Saab and covered his success-yatra from being a co-writer ( Ramesh Sippy’s ‘Andaz-1971) to assistant director to lyricist to director to the legendary multi-faceted persona that he is today. Gulzar-saab is like my senior friend and he made me do my first de-glamorized role with no make-up, no dancing eye-brows and no speaking fast filmy-dialogues and directed me in landmark musical hit movies like Khushboo, Kinara, Lekin and of course Meera. In fact, Gulzar-saab was the one who pushed me into ‘direction’ with the TV Series  Noopur (1990), since I have this passion for classical dancing. Actually, I had initially wanted him to direct the TV series,” disclosed Hema Malini who also shared interesting anecdotes with Gulzar-saab across her films and her learning and growth imbibed from him across decades.

In his speech, the erudite yet modest Gulzar-saab expressed that Hema Malini had her royal charisma and a regal presence, which is why he cast her in the title role of ‘Meera’. Narrating an anecdote of how during the making of the Meera movie the producer faced a financial crisis and there was a major lack of funds. “I told her this is a film she would want to watch with her children and her grandchildren and she graciously agreed Not to charge her regular acting fees.”

 Referring to director-composer Vishal Bhardwaj,  the articulate Gulzar-saab recounted how he owed his revived his youthful spirit in his lyrics for songs ( like ‘Beedi Jalay Ley from the 2006 movie Omkara)  to a young man who held his hand. Especially when he was almost facing a fade-out, after the untimely death of his buddy genius composer-singer (R D Burman) Pancham-da.  In his response, Vishal expressed how his dream was always to work with the legend Gulzar on at least one film and how during the Maachis’ music sitting session, Gulzar correctly predicted that he (Vishal) would turn director in the near future. “Gulzar Saab is very blessed. His predictions always came true for all of us,” said an emotional Vishal Bhardwaj.

 Publisher Arun Maheshwari of Vani Prakashan spoke of how Gulzar Saab’s journey with the publishing house transcended 25 books and the relationship grew at every step. “I am pleased to announce that Gulzar Saab: Hazaar Raahein pre-sales have been so successful that the first edition is a best-seller sellout even before the launch.”

 The CEO of the group, Aditi Maheshwari believes that this book will contribute poetic continuity from the legendary generation of Gulzar to today’s contemporary youth.

 Gulzar Saab had the final word when he humorously stated that he actually did not want to speak on this stage and instead wanted to relax and hear everyone praise him. “It is not often that an auditorium full of people speak about you and only about you and I am savoring every moment."

 The English version of the informative bio-book will be penned and published in the near future by former Femina Editor and prolific author Sathya Saran. 'Gulzar Saab: Hazaar Raahein Muddh Ke Dekhein..' published by Vani Prakashan, written by Yatindra Mishra, is priced at Rs 1999 and is available on Amazon.in and at all leading bookstores.

Tags : hema-malini | subhash-ghai | cintaa-tower

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