At 91, Gulzar doesn’t pick projects lightly and when he does, there’s always a reason that goes beyond cinema. The veteran poet-lyricist is set to return to writing songs for a children’s film titled Masab
Tank, a project that he says moved him deeply and reminded him why stories for young minds still matter.
Speaking at his Bandra home, Gulzar explained why the film struck a chord with him. “Writing for children is not just a desire or ambition, its an obligation. It has been treated in a very left handish way by writers. Masab tank is an area in Hyderabad, where the playing ground has been snatched from children and replaced by buildings. This project by Meka Rao really touched my heart,” he told Hindustan Times.
Known for creating timeless children’s songs like Lakdi Ki Kathi (Masoom, 1983) and Jungle Jungle Pata Chala Hai from The Jungle Book, Gulzar made it clear that his bond with children’s storytelling is far from over. “Writing for children will continue till I grow up enough to be a child again,” he said.
Asked about a possible collaboration with his filmmaker daughter Meghna Gulzar on her upcoming film Daayra, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, he revealed that the wait continues. “She said I will miss you but my script does not allow any songs. So that collaboration will have to wait.”
Gulzar also spoke fondly of filmmaker-composer Vishal Bhardwaj, expressing hope that he would carry forward meaningful cinema for younger audiences. “I hope Vishal continues making films for children like The Blue Umbrella. He has that special talent required to make songs that connect with children.”
The lyricist highlighted how storytelling runs deep in his family, sharing that his son-in-law Govind Sandhu has written a book inspired by the struggles of children in Gaza and Ukraine, while Meghna has authored a book focusing on children with special needs.
Beyond writing, Gulzar has remained closely involved with the lives of differently abled children through his long association with the Arushi institute. “I have been working with Arushi an institute for specially abled children for about 40 years. I came across the institute while making my film Koshish (1972). Every year the children come down to participate in a city marathon and I have been walking with them for around two decades. These children are trained and working at jobs that showcase their talent,” he shared.
Born Sampooran Singh Kalra on August 18, 1934, Gulzar is regarded as one of the finest Urdu poets of his time. His career began as a lyricist with S.D. Burman’s Bandini (1963), and he has since collaborated with legends including R.D. Burman, Salil Chowdhury, Vishal Bhardwaj and A.R. Rahman. Apart from poetry and lyrics, he has directed acclaimed films like Aandhi and Mausam, and the television classic Mirza Ghalib.
Over the decades, Gulzar has received numerous honours, including five National Film Awards, 22 Filmfare Awards, an Academy Award, a Grammy, the Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Bhushan, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and the Jnanpith in 2024. He also served as Chancellor of Assam Universit
