Happy Birthday Gulzar: Celebrated Film Poet Turns 83

The name Gulzar will make you bow down and resign to the power of words. His story is as poignant as his words. Gulzar, born as Sampooran Singh Kalra, is probably one of the finest lyricists and poets India has ever seen. Born in Jhelum, Pakistan, he came to India after partition with scars and pain that later reflected through his verses.

Gulzar started his career as a lyricist for Bandini and later entered the world of direction with Mere Apne. Gulzar’s passion for literature was cut short due to the India-Pakistan partition. This pain of leaving studies midway remained with him for a long time. In fact, he didn’t ever leave reading despite hardships. He was sent to his brother in Mumbai, but their relationship didn’t take off. Eventually, Gulzar enrolled himself for formal education in Mumbai again. Call it his short-sightedness, but Gulzar didn’t want to write for films for long at that point of time. He, in fact, said this to Bimal Roy, but Roy’s reply made him stay in the game, forever.

Gulzar’s journey is still continued in all its glory. This year, Gulzar’s songs were heard in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Rangoon. They weren’t great hits like most of his songs, but he is still very much in the game. Despite being 83, this poet is at the top of his powers. To celebrate Gulzar's birthday, here are 10 beautiful songs written by the National Award-winning writer, director, and lyricist.

Poetry: Hum Ko Mann Ki Shakti Dena (Hindi) -Gulzar

#1 Aanewala Pal Jane Wala Hai – Golmaal
It is said that you don’t have to know the lyrics or even the language to enjoy a song, but boy, they sure help. Music may not have a language but sometimes words make you better understand what the lyricist wanted to say. And when it comes to Gulzar, this is his definitive song.

#2 Chaiyya Chaiyya – Dil Se
It was a late 1990s song but the popularity of “Chaiyya Chaiyya” spilled well over the 2000s and deservedly so. The song was instantly 
addictive with its visuals (it was shot on the top of a movie train), Sukhwinder Singh’s voice and, of course, Gulzar’s lyrics.

#3 Tujhse Naraz Nahin Zindagi – Masoom
This is trademark Gulzar – using easily understandable words to express a much more deeper message. What could be more profound than a mother’s most private thoughts regarding her child?

#4 Beedi – Omkara
You didn’t see that coming, did you? Is this song your guilty pleasure. Well, no more. For it was written by one of the most widely-regarded lyricist and poets of Bollywood!

#5 Musafir Hoon Yaaron – Parichay
The first song they created together by Gulzar & R D Burman, was the iconic Musafir hun yaaron. Pancham Da was just taking a shower one morning and while he was humming, the music came to him.