I can’t stop writing, ever: Gulzar

It’s tough to stop poet-lyricist-director Gulzar even at 71. In Sanjay Gupta’s Dus Kahaniyaan, he has penned 10 poems. Ritujaay Ghosh speaks to the lyricist.

While he has deprived fans of a film for quite some time now, he has kept them entertained with lyrics and poetry. It’s tough to stop poet-lyricist-director Gulzar even at 71. In Sanjay Gupta’s Dus Kahaniyaan, he has penned 10 poems, which have been recited by the actors. He speaks to HT City.

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Your thoughts on the venture?
It was unique, encouraging and satisfying. I never thought it would work so well. It is the first time such a thing is being tried.

Whose idea was it?
It was Sanjay’s. He came to me some time back with one of the stories, Gubbare, and said he wanted to make a film. I liked it but wondered how he would express this idea into a film, as it would only be 15-20 minutes long. He said that he wanted to make a set of 10 films and that is how I came into the picture.

So it was your desire to write for all 10 films…
Sanjay asked me to write for one. Then he narrated another and I was quick to spot that it was author KS Duggal’s Night Of Full Moon on which he based Puranmashi. I got involved. Finally Sanjay asked me to write for all the films.

Puranmashi is directed by your daughter Meghna…
That’s what was more interesting. I knew she was directing and she, too, encouraged me. I was sceptical as the films run for average 10-12 minutes. Then decided to write on the themes.

Was it your idea to make the actors recite the poems?
It was Sanjay’s idea and it was perfect. I haven’t come across such a brave director and producer in a long time.

It must have been easy for you…
I had to write a few of the poems. A few were already unpublished works… I have a lot in stock and took out each poem and matched them with the theme of the film. It wasn’t that tough (laughs).

Have the actors done justice?
They lived up to expectations. Naseeruddin Shah, Nana Patekar, Anupam Kher and Sanjay Dutt did the best job. They sound like elocutionists.

When do you direct next?
It’s time. I have a script ready and will soon start work.

So, you are happy writing lyrics for the time being…
I can’t stop writing, ever.

You are scripting the sound and light show for Amber Fort in Jaipur?
I took it up because it was based on a literary work and has to do with the nation’s pride.