Gulzar Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Real Name: Sampooran Singh Kalra

Pen Name: Gulzar Deenvi (Later Simply “Gulzar”)

Profession: Poet, Lyricist and Film Director

Date of Birth: 18 August 1934

Age (as in 2019): 83 Years

Birthplace: Dina, Punjab, British India (Now in Pakistan)

Zodiac sign: Leo

Nationality: Indian

Hometown: Mumbai, India

Religion: Sikhism

Marriage Date: 15 May 1973

Age: 83 Years

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EDUCATION

Educational Qualification: Not Known

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): in centimeters – 168 cm in meters – 1.68 m in feet inches – 5’ 6”

Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 65 kg in pounds – 143 lbs

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Hair Colour: White

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Family: Father – Makhan Singh Kalra Mother – Sujan Kaur Brother – Not Known Sister – Not Known

Marital Status: Separated

Affairs/Girlfriends: Meena Kumari

Wife/Spouse: Rakhee (Actress)

Children: Son – Not Known Daughter – Meghna Gulzar (Bosky)

Wife: Rakhee

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Debut: Lyricist: for the film Bandini (1963) Film Director: Mere Apne (1971) TV Director: Mirza Ghalib (1988)

Major Awards/Honors: 1972: National Film Awards for Best Screenplay for the film Koshish 1975: Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie for the film Aandhi. 1976: Filmfare Awards for Best Director for the film Mausam. 1978: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Do Deewaane Shehar Mein” from film Gharaonda. 1980: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Aanewala Pal Jaane Wala Hain” from film Gol Maal. 1981: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Hazaar Raahen Mud Ke Dekhi” from film Thodisi Bewafaii. 1984: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Tujhse Naraaz Nahin Zindagi” from film Masoom. 1988: National Film Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Mera Kuchh Saamaan” from film Ijaazat. 1990: Filmfare Awards for Best Documentary Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. 1991: National Film Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Yaara Silli Silli” from film Lekin… 1992: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Yaara Silli Silli” from film Lekin… 1996: National Film Awards for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for the film Maachis. 1999: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Chaiyya Chaiyya” from film Dil Se.. 2002: Sahitya Akademi Award for “Dhuan” (“Smoke”); short stories in Urdu. 2003: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Saathiya” from film Saathiya. 2004: Honoured with the Padma Bhushan. 2006: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Kajra Re” from film Bunty Aur Babli. 2008: Academy Awards for Best Original Song for “Jai Ho” from film Slumdog Millionaire. 2010: Grammy Awards for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media for “Jai Ho” from film Slumdog Millionaire. 2011: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Dil To Bachcha Hain Ji” from film Ishqiya. 2013: Filmfare Awards for Best Lyricist for the song “Challa” from film Jab Tak Hai Jaan. 2013: Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to the Film Industry as Poet, Lyricist and Film director.

MONEY FACTOR

Net Worth: Not Known

OTHER INFORMATION

Address: Panchsheel Society, Nargis Dutt Road, Pali Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050

Hobbies: Reading, Writing, Travelling

Favourite Writer: Rabindra Nath Tagore

Favourite Book: “The Gardener” by Rabindra Nath Tagore

Favourite Actress: Rakhee

Favourite Singer(s): Kishore Kumar , Lata Mangeshkar , Mohit Chauhan , Rekha Bhardwaj

Favourite Lyricist(s): Shailendra, Sahir Ludhianvi

Favourite Filmmaker: Bimal Roy

Favourite Music Director(s): S. D. Burman, R. D. Burman, A. R. Rahman , Vishal Bhardwaj

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Gulzar, born into a Sikh family during British India, embarked on a remarkable journey that would see him become a pivotal figure in Indian cinema and literature. Following the tumultuous partition of India, he relocated to Delhi, a move that would set the stage for the struggles and triumphs that defined his early life. In the bustling city of Bombay, now Mumbai, he took on various odd jobs, including working in a motor garage where he meticulously mixed shades of paint to repair accident-damaged cars. Despite the challenges, Gulzar’s passion for reading remained undiminished. A transformative moment occurred when he encountered Rabindranath Tagore’s “The Gardener.” The profound impact of this work inspired him to pursue a path in writing, a decision that initially met with disapproval from his father.

Adopting the pen name “Gulzar Deenvi,” he eventually simplified it to just “Gulzar” as he began to carve his niche in Bollywood. His career took its first significant step under the mentorship of celebrated directors Bimal Roy and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who recognized his talent and provided him with opportunities to flourish. It was the legendary S. D. Burman who first invited him to contribute as a songwriter for the film “Bandini” in 1963. Although most of the film’s songs were penned by Shailendra, he entrusted Gulzar with the poignant piece “Mora Gora Ang Layle,” sung by the iconic Lata Mangeshkar, which marked a turning point in his songwriting career.

Gulzar’s popularity soared with the release of the evocative song “Humne Dekhi Hai Un Aankhon Ki Mehekti Khushboo” from the film “Khamoshi” in 1969. His work continued to resonate with audiences, particularly through his contributions to films like “Guddi,” where he wrote the timeless prayer “Humko Man Ki Shakti Dena,” which remains a staple in schools across India. Deeply rooted in Bengali culture, Gulzar’s artistry flourished alongside his personal life, as he married the renowned actress Rakhee in 1973, both at the peak of their respective careers. His close friendship with the renowned music director R. D. Burman enriched his creative landscape, enabling him to collaborate with a plethora of eminent music directors.

Gulzar’s versatility as an artist is evident in his wide-ranging contributions, from crafting moving lyrics for popular songs to creating captivating dialogues for films like “Anand” and “Khamoshi.” His directorial ventures, including the film “Angoor,” based on Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors,” and several acclaimed television series such as “Mirza Ghalib,” showcase his multifaceted talent. His songs, often sung by legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Asha Bhosle, reflect a deep understanding of emotional nuance. His poetic language, primarily in Urdu and Punjabi, extends into various Hindi dialects, employing the distinctive Triveni stanza format. Published in collections like “Raat Pashminey Ki,” Gulzar’s poetry resonates with universal themes and a profound sense of humanity.

Beyond the realm of cinema, Gulzar has championed peace through his anthem “Nazar Main Rehte Ho,” supporting the Aman ki Asha campaign between India and Pakistan. His collaborations with ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh on albums like “Marasim” and “Koi Baat Chale” further solidify his place in the tapestry of Indian music. He has penned dialogues and songs for numerous television series, including the beloved “Chaddi Pahen Ke Phool Khila Hai” for “The Jungle Book.” Gulzar’s enduring legacy is a testament to his artistic brilliance, captivating audiences with his words and melodies, leaving an indelible mark on Indian culture.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.