If one was a film music buff over the last few decades then one would break into one of Gulzar’s own lyrics (from film ‘Ghar’ ) but with few words rephrased ‘Aap ki geeton mein kuch.. mehke hue se.. soch hain’. Completing 92 years on 18th August he bats on & on !
Breaking out as a fine film lyricist for Dada Burman in the 1963 classic Bimal Roy film ‘Bandini’, he has penned some of the most poetic and timeless lyrics in Hindi cinema history, frequently collaborating with legendary music directors like S.D. Burman, Salil Chowdhary, Vishal Bhardwaj & AR Rahman. That he combined his genius of writing verses with roles of screenwriter & film director makes him ‘auteur’ in an era of greats !
However, it appears Gulzar had a special affinity and bonding with the tunes composed by the creative versatility of ‘Pancham’ (RD Burman) for which he produced his finest works that capture deep human emotions, the idyllic side of nature and the fleeting time with unmatched simplicity. There are many iconic melodies of the duo in partnership both creating magic -“Tere Bina Zindagi Se”- Aandhi (Singers: Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar),”Mera Kuch Samaan”- Ijaazat (Singer: Asha Bhosle), “Tujhse Naraz Nahin Zindagi” – Masoom (Singer: Lata Mangeshkar). There are many other soulful numbers.
What, however, fascinated were the songs of the long distance traveler on journeys that seemed to tell a story of mysticism and endlessness for which both writer Gulzar and the composer RD invariably sought the somber, philosophical depth of Kishore da’s voice !
I choose three songs of this genre, that I as a fan have heard and sang over & over again :
*”Musafir Hoon Yaaron” – ‘Parichay’ remains a favorite not only for the lyrics of a man in search of a goal but also for its unique rhythm set to the hoof beats on a ‘tonga’ ride
*“O Majhi Re” – ‘Khushboo’ is a profound philosophical reflection on life, surrender, and the illusion of permanent stability. The song uses metaphor of a river, and a boatman to portray life as an endless, floating journey where change is the only absolute truth.
* ‘Raah Pe Rehte Hain – ‘Namkeen’ is a philosophical ode to the transient, nomadic life of a wanderer-picturized on a lonely truck driver. It portrays a soul who lives on roads, sustained only by memories, finding a temporary home wherever he stops.
Another remarkable feature has been Gulzar’s love for poetry for children and his deep understanding of the restlessness of youth. His evergreen and tuneful song for ‘Mere Apne’ in 1971 sung by two greats, Kishore & Mukesh – ‘Haal Chaal Theek Thak Hai’ is a satirical commentary on agitated state of the educated unemployed and is even after five decades, so apt for the current state of affairs leading to student protests all across.
Working on Living 