Gulzar (born Sampooran Singh Kalra; 18 August 1934) — Born Sampooran Singh Kalra on 18 August 1934 in Dina in the Jhelum district of undivided India — stands among the most distinguished literary and cinematic voices of modern India. An eminent Urdu poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter and film director, he has shaped the language of Hindi cinema with a rare blend of literary refinement, emotional nuance and philosophical depth.
The upheaval of the Partition profoundly altered the course of his life. His family was separated, compelling the young Sampooran Singh to leave his studies and move to Bombay to support his household. He undertook a series of modest jobs, including work at a garage where he mixed shades of paint to repair damaged cars. The craft of colour, as he later recalled, sharpened his aesthetic sensibility. During this period, he immersed himself in literature, influenced deeply by translations of the works of Rabindranath Tagore and by his involvement with the Progressive Writers Association. Encouraged by poet Shailendra and filmmaker Bimal Roy during the association's gatherings, he eventually entered the world of cinema.
Gulzar began his career as a lyricist in the 1963 film Bandini (1963) under the music direction of S. D. Burman, writing the evocative song Mora Gora Ang Layle, sung by Lata Mangeshkar. His early collaborations with filmmakers such as Bimal Roy and Hrishikesh Mukherjee introduced him to a creative environment deeply rooted in literary sensibilities. He soon emerged as one of the most distinctive lyricists in Hindi cinema. Songs such as Humne Dekhi Hai Un Aankhon Ki Mehekti Khushboo from Khamoshi (1969) and the prayer Humko Man Ki Shakti Dena from Guddi (1971) revealed his daring poetic style, marked by an imaginative blending of sensory imagery.
Across decades, Gulzar forged enduring partnerships with some of India's greatest composers, including Rahul Dev Burman, Salil Chowdhury, Madan Mohan, Vishal Bhardwaj and A. R. Rahman. His lyrics enriched landmark films such as Anand (1971), Maachis (1996), Omkara (2006), Kaminey (2009), Dil Se.. (1998) and Guru (2007). The global success of Slumdog Millionaire (2008) brought him international recognition when he and A. R. Rahman won the Academy Award and the Grammy Award for the song Jai Ho.
As a filmmaker, Gulzar made his directorial debut with Mere Apne (1971) and went on to create a series of thoughtful and socially perceptive films including Parichay (1972), Koshish (1972), Achanak (1973), Aandhi (1975), Khushboo (1975), Mausam (1975) and the celebrated comedy Angoor (1982). His television series Mirza Ghalib (1988) further demonstrated his ability to translate literary heritage to the screen with sensitivity and grace.
Parallel to his cinematic work, Gulzar has remained a prolific writer of poetry and prose. His collections such as Chand Pukhraaj Ka (1992), Raat Pashminey Ki (2002) and Pandrah Paanch Pachattar (1985), along with the short story volume Raavi Paar (1997), reaffirm his stature as a major contemporary Urdu poet.
His extraordinary contributions have earned numerous honours, including five National Film Awards, twenty-two Filmfare Awards, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. In 2024 he received the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honour, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential creative figures in the cultural history of modern India.