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Gulzar

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Gulzar is a famous writer from India who makes many kinds of art. He is a poet, a songwriter, and a film director. People love his work because his words carry deep meaning and emotion. He writes songs for Hindi cinema, which is a huge movie industry in India. He also writes beautiful poetry in languages like Urdu and Punjabi. His stories often look at how people live and how they treat one another.

The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function
The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function

His journey to becoming a writer was not easy. He was born Sampooran Singh Kalra in 1934 in Dina. After his family split during the partition, he moved to Mumbai to help his family. He worked many small jobs to make a living. One job was at a garage on Bellasis Road. There, he mixed different shades of paint to fix damaged cars. He said he had a knack for colors while working there.

The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function
The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function

Gulzar began his career in films as a songwriter in 1963. He worked on the movie Bandini with music director S.D. Burman. He later worked with many famous musicians like R.D. Burman and A.R. Rahman. He even wrote the song "Jai Ho" for the movie Slumdog Millionaire. This song won him an Academy Award and a Grammy Award. He also directed movies like Aandhi and Mausam during the 1970s. His films often tell stories about human relationships and social issues.

The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function
The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function

He has won many of the highest honors in India. He received five National Film Awards for his work. He also won 22 Filmfare Awards for his talent. In 2004, he was given the Padma Bhushan by the government. In 2013, he won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is the top prize in Indian cinema. Most recently, in 2024, he won the Jnanpith Award. This is the highest literary award in India.

The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function
The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function

Today, Gulzar continues to share his art with everyone. He writes for children's audiobooks and a magazine called Chakmak. He even wrote the anthem "Nazar Main Rehte Ho" for a peace campaign. His daughter, Meghna Gulzar, is also a famous film director. She even wrote a book about her father's life. His work connects music, movies, and poetry in a very special way.

The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function
The veteran film lyricist, director, screen writer, producer and poet, Shri Gulzar with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2013, presented by the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at the 61st National Film Awards function
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