Sampooran Singh Kalra

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Sampooran Singh Kalra
• Pen Name: Gulzar
• Born: August 18, 1934; Dina, Jhelum District, Punjab, British India (now Pakistan)
• Died: Still living (as of 2025)
• Profession: Poet, Lyricist, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Author
• Languages Known: Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, English
• Spouse: Rakhee Gulzar (actress)
• Children: Meghna Gulzar (film director)
• Notable Awards: Academy Award (2009), Grammy Award (2010), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013), Padma Bhushan (2004), multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards
• Known For: Introspective poetry, iconic film lyrics, acclaimed filmmaking

Biography

Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra, is one of India’s most treasured poets and creative minds. His work stretches across poetry, cinema, and music, weaving delicate emotions into words and images that have defined generations.

He was born in 1934 in Dina, Punjab, and moved to India during Partition. His early years were marked by struggle, and he worked as a car mechanic and painter before finding his way into the world of literature and cinema. Drawn to Urdu poetry, he adopted the pen name “Gulzar,” meaning “a garden in full bloom,” a fitting reflection of his artistry.

His literary journey began with poetry, deeply introspective and often exploring themes of love, memory, loss, and the everyday details of life. His collections, including Raat Pashmine Ki and Pukhraj, showcase his mastery of imagery and his ability to capture profound emotions in simple words.

In cinema, Gulzar left an indelible mark as a lyricist, screenwriter, and filmmaker. His lyrics for songs like “Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi,” “Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa Nahin,” “Chaiyya Chaiyya,” and “Jai Ho” are still sung worldwide. His work with music directors like R.D. Burman, Vishal Bhardwaj, and A.R. Rahman has produced timeless melodies. In 2009, he won an Academy Award and later a Grammy for “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire.

As a filmmaker, Gulzar directed classics like Mausam, Angoor, Aandhi, and Ijaazat, films known for their subtlety, emotional depth, and poetic storytelling. His scripts often focused on human relationships, blending realism with sensitivity.

In his personal life, he married actress Rakhee, though the couple lived largely apart. Their daughter, Meghna Gulzar, has carried forward his creative legacy as an acclaimed director, known for films like Raazi and Chhapaak.

Gulzar has received numerous honors, including the Padma Bhushan, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and multiple national and international awards for both his literary and cinematic contributions. Even today, in his nineties, he continues to write and inspire, proving that age cannot dim the flame of creativity.

What makes Gulzar truly legendary is his ability to make poetry and music intimate. His words feel like quiet conversations, filled with tenderness, nostalgia, and wisdom. Whether through a ghazal, a song, or a film, he has always spoken directly to the human heart.