When Gulzar refused to put in writing lyrics for AR Rahman in much less time: How poet-songwriters keep timeless

At 87 years previous, Gulzar is one such artist who by no means stops honing his craft, making it extra speedy, well timed and nonetheless so poetic on the identical time. It is an artwork that many would not have, or maybe they don’t work at it as a lot as this genius wordsmith does. But even Gulzar wants time to meditate and create one thing lasting. While speaking with filmmaker and author Nasreen Munni Kabir for his guide Jiya Jale: The Stories of Songs, Gulzar opened up about writing for Mozart of Madras AR Rahman. He mentioned that the composer as soon as needed him to put in writing an extra tune when he was in Chennai, however Gulzar declined, saying, “I’m afraid I can’t write that. I need time.” This response prompted Rahman to speak in regards to the common and now-controversial poet and lyricist Vairamuthu, who apparently has the flexibility to churn out a couplet from wherever.

Gulzar shares a lightweight second with music maestro RD Burman. (Photo: Express Archive)

But Gulzar is totally different, his strategy is pure and easy analysis and statement after which combines it together with his magical energy to create mesmerizing poetry. Here is an instance of how Gulzar works – In the above guide, the lyricist explains how vital it’s to take your steerage from the script of the movie whereas writing the songs of the movie. Talking in regards to the Omkara observe “Bidi Jalai Le”, Gulzar mentioned, “It is the script that guides you to put in writing the tune that works inside the narrative. You get the lyrics of the tune together with the speeches of the characters. Vocabulary must also match.The language of Omkara is Awadhi and likewise the tune.

that is it The Attention To Detail That Makes Gulzari Who is he. And it’s this means that provides him his scope. Needless so as to add that his information of the language is in depth and ever-expanding. Gulzar has been writing songs for the reason that 1963 movie Bandini, the place he debuted as a lyricist with “Mora Gora Ang”. His newest Hindi movie work in 2019 was Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Farhan Akhtar’s The Sky Is Pink, the place he wrote all of the songs of the movie. In between, he has penned many gems together with “Woh Sham Kuch Aazhi Tha,” “Mera Kuch Saamna,” “Maine Tere Liye,” “Musafir Hoon Yaaron,” “Tujhse Naraj Nahi Zindagi,” “Satrangi Re,” amongst others. Wooden Kathi,” “Dil To Bachha Hai Ji,” “Chhappa Chhappa,” “Kajra Re,” “Ae Watan”… it might be unimaginable to call the songs that got here from his pen in a single article.

In one other guide by Nasreen Munni Kabir, In the Company of a Poet, Gulzar talks about at all times being open to alter. Another high quality of the poet-writer which proves his chameleon-like expertise to mildew his speech, writing sample and thought in accordance with the present undertaking on which he will likely be working. “You should always be open and receptive. The subconscious is constantly accepting, rejecting, twisting and twisting whatever you learn and absorb,” Gulzar mentioned on the time.

From a love tune to a vigorous anthem and a bubbly and sensual tune, Gulzar has executed all of it. In reality, it might not be an exaggeration to say that there’s a buzzing tune for each temper. Take, for instance, the tune “Jiya Jale” from Dil, which regardless of being filmed as a marriage tune per se, doesn’t evoke related photos. The bride, to be performed by Preity Zinta, sits gracefully in white as her palms are adorned with henna. Here, she begins singing and imagining her life with the character of Shah Rukh Khan.

Ang ang mein jalti hain

Dard ki chingaariyan

Masle phoolon ki mehek mein

Titliyon ki kyaariyan

Raat bhar bechaari mehndi

Pisti hai pairon story

Kya Karoon, Kaise Kahoon

Raat kab kaise dhale

There is a powerful ingredient of need and intimacy within the above traces of “Jiya Jale” {that a} companion seeks together with his beloved. Now right here is the type in which you’ll be able to discuss in regards to the finale and make it lovely and pleasing to the ears. In the half by which the writer talks of “Raat Bhar Bechari Mehndi, Pisti Hai Jodi Kahani”, the scene that instantly involves thoughts is that the 2 lovers spend a passionate evening collectively, but nothing vulgar and pops out within the tune. . And most of the memes created for the reason that tune’s Malayalam refrain additionally communicate of a marriage evening, as confirmed within the guide Jiya Jale: The Stories of Songs.

But if Gulzar had not determined to work within the Hindi movie trade, we might have been disadvantaged of those beautiful traces. In the guide In the Company of a Poet, Gulzar revealed that originally he had no inclination to work in movies, however was pressured into it by his lyricist-friend Shailendra.

In his white, crisp kurta-pyjama, Gulzar’s picture at all times exudes a sure depth, delight and decency, however the National Award, Grammy and Oscar-winning writer additionally has a hidden infantile, endearing function about him. In reality, it’s this side of his character that impressed him to undertake Gulzar’s Takhallus (pen title). Gulzar mentioned within the guide In the Company of a Poet, “I found the name in Masti, it is out of Masti that you (sometimes) get serious in life, but life should be fun too.” This is the mix of seriousness and playfulness that Gulzar infuses in his work; His ideas are scandalous and fantastic, finally taking form within the poetic songs we love.