Gulzar

Gulzar Age, Life, and Poetry of the Renowned Urdu Poet

Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra on August 18, 1934, in Dina, Jhelum (British India), is one of India’s most celebrated poets, lyricists, authors, and filmmakers. At 89 years of age, Gulzar continues to be a defining voice in contemporary Indian poetry and storytelling. Known for his evocative writing and distinctive voice, Gulzar Shayari has captivated generations, leaving a lasting imprint on Urdu and Hindi literature.

Gulzar lost his mother at an early age and was raised in modest surroundings. After the Partition, his family moved to Amritsar and then Delhi, where financial constraints forced him to take up odd jobs, including working at a petrol pump. Despite hardships, he was drawn to poetry and literature. Inspired by Tagore and Sarat Chandra, he nurtured his craft and eventually moved to Mumbai, seeking a creative life.

His big break came in the early 1960s when Shailendra introduced him to filmmaker Bimal Roy during the production of Bandini. Gulzar wrote his first song, "Mora Gora Ang Layle", which became a hit and marked the beginning of his career in Hindi cinema. He went on to write lyrics, dialogues, and screenplays for numerous acclaimed films and later directed hits like Mere Apne.

Alongside his film career, Gulzar remained active in literary circles. His Shayari—written mainly in Urdu and Hindi—is known for its sensitivity, minimalism, and emotional depth. He was mentored by renowned Pakistani writer Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, whose early support helped shape Gulzar’s literary voice.

Gulzar also had a close bond with actress Meena Kumari, and later married actress Raakhee in 1973. Their daughter, Meghna Gulzar, is now a leading film director. Though Gulzar and Raakhee eventually separated, they never divorced.

Throughout his career, Gulzar has written extensively for children and television, including the famous theme for The Jungle Book series. He has received some of the highest honors in India and abroad, including an Oscar, Grammy, Padma Bhushan, Sahitya Akademi Award, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and over 20 Filmfare Awards.

Despite his fame in films, Gulzar’s heart has always belonged to literature. Gulzar Shayari and stories continue to touch lives, capturing emotions and moments with rare clarity.

gulzar best shayari

aadatan tum ne kar diye vaade

aadatan ham ne etibaar kiya

by habit you made promises

by habit i trusted you

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zindagi yun hui basar tanha

qaafila saath aur safar tanha

life has transpired as a lonely vision

moving with the caravan but traveling alone

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shaam se aankh mein nami si hai

aaj phir aap ki kami si hai

this evening, my eyes are moist

today, once again, i feel your absence

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musaafir hain yaaron na ghar hai na thikaana

mujhe chalte jaana hai bas chalte jaana

i am a traveler, my friends with neither home, nor shelter

i just need to keep walking keep walking

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go barasti naheen sadaa aankhen

abr to baara maas hota hai

the eyes do not always shed tears

but the clouds are there all year long

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