Sampooran Singh Kalra

Biography

Sampooran Singh Kalra, better known by his pen name Gulzar, is one of the most celebrated voices in modern Indian literature and cinema. Born in 1934 in Dina, Punjab, he experienced the trauma of Partition as a child. The migration shaped his early worldview and gave his poetry its deep sense of loss, memory, and human connection.

Gulzar’s career began in films in the 1960s as a lyricist. His first big break came with the song Mora Gora Ang Layle for the film Bandini, composed by S.D. Burman. From then on, his words became a bridge between literature and music. His lyrics were not just songs but poetry that carried layers of meaning. Over decades, he worked with composers like R.D. Burman, Vishal Bhardwaj, and A.R. Rahman, producing some of the most timeless songs in Indian cinema.

As a filmmaker, Gulzar directed acclaimed movies such as Mausam, Aandhi, and Ijaazat. His storytelling style was subtle, poetic, and emotionally rich, focusing on human relationships and the complexities of everyday life. Beyond films, he also wrote short stories, plays, and children’s literature, showing his versatility as a writer.

On the personal front, Gulzar married actress Raakhee in 1973. Though they lived separately later, their bond remained respectful. Their daughter, Meghna Gulzar, has carved her own path in Indian cinema as a successful director.

Gulzar has received almost every major literary and cinematic award in India, including the Padma Bhushan and Sahitya Akademi Award. Internationally, he won both an Academy Award and a Grammy for the song Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, written with A.R. Rahman.

Even in his late 80s, Gulzar continues to write and recite. His poetry blends everyday language with philosophical depth, making him accessible yet profound. Many of his lines have become part of everyday conversations, quoted by generations who find comfort, hope, and beauty in his words.

Sampooran Singh Kalra, or Gulzar, is not only a poet or lyricist but a storyteller whose art spans across pages and screens. His words continue to remind people that poetry can live in a song, in a film, or even in a quiet moment of reflection.