Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Lyrical life of Gulzar

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL CELEBRATING THE LEGEND’S GREAT SONGWRITING

by ASJAD NAZIR


ON AUGUST 18, Bollywood great Gulzar turns 86 and will no doubt receive birthday blessings from all over the world.

Although he has made a mightily impressive mark as a filmmaker, poet and writer, his biggest impact has been lighting up songs as a lyricist for nearly 60 years.

Born Sampooran Singh Kalra on August 18, 1934, one of the greatest lyricists the world has ever seen has won prestigious honours for his songwriting, including an Academy Award, and built up an incredible body of work that has entertained millions across different generations.

Eastern Eye decided to celebrate the legendary genius turning a year older by focusing on his lyrics and presenting 12 songs that made an impact, in chronological order, and led him to becoming an all-time great.

Mora Gora Ang Laile from Bandini (1963): Gulzar had no desire to become a lyricist, but was persuaded by legendary director Bimal Roy to write a song for his classic film. Although lyrical powerhouse Shailendra wrote all the other songs for the film, this playful number stood out and started a superb songwriting career for Gulzar.

Humko Man Ki Shakti Dena from Guddi (1971): This spiritual song rendered by schoolchildren was so inspiring that it had a journey of its own after the hit film. Many schools adopted the song and its mantra of inner power, forgiveness and helping others.

Tere Bina Zindagi Se from Aandhi (1975): By the mid-1970s, Gulzar had become a respected writer-director and not surprisingly, wrote lyrics for songs that appeared in movies he made himself. The deeply romantic duet garnered him his first Filmfare Best Lyricist award nomination. Although he didn’t win, Gulzar would go on to scoop more Filmfare Awards than anyone in history.

Do Deewaane Shehar Mein from Gharaonda (1977): Gulzar has done some of his best work in little known films and helped elevate them to a higher level with his stunning songwriting. He won the first of his record-breaking 12 Filmfare Best Lyricist awards for this escapist romantic number for a low budget drama and beat off songs in big blockbusters.

Mera Kuch Samaan from Ijaazat (1987): Gulzar won his fifth Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist and a National Award for this stunning song, which uses simple words to put across an incredibly powerful message. Asha Bhosle won her second National Award and the deeply emotive lyrics written by Gulzar played a huge part in that.

Yaara Seeli Seeli from Lekin (1991): The stunning soundtrack for Lekin won many honours including a National Award for Best Music and Singer. The lyrics written by Gulzar played an integral role in that, which was demonstrated by him winning a Filmfare and National Award for this song. The song of remembrance struck a chord globally largely due to the lyrics.

Chaiyya Chaiyya from Dil Se (1998): Gulzar won another Filmfare Award for this massively influential dance number, which was picturised on top of a train. This was a song that showed a whole different side to Gulzar’s lyrical abilities and demonstrated that he can write pretty much anything.

Saathiya title track (2002): Gulzar won awards for his dialogues in the romance, but also delivered amazing lyrics for a stunning soundtrack composed by AR Rahman. The writing maestro won another award for the title track on a soundtrack, which would be celebrated globally.

Kajra Re from Bunty Aur Babli (2005): This song was a juggernaut in 2005 and one of the biggest dance numbers Bollywood ever delivered. Although people remember the music, singer and the stars it was picturised on, the lyrics by Gulzar played a huge part in its success and had people singing along globally. He won more awards for the lyrics of this song.

Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire (2008): Almost 50 years after delivering his first song, Gulzar penned this monster hit, which would win him prestigious honours, including a coveted Oscar and Grammy Award. The song crossed over globally, would be covered by The Pussycat Dolls and became his most successful song ever.

Challa from film Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012): In 2013, Gulzar won India’s highest cinematic honour The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his immense work as a writer, lyricist and filmmaker. The same year he would win more lyrical honours for this upbeat number, but could’ve quite easily got awards for other songs he wrote for legendary director Yash Chopra’s final film.

Ae Watan from Raazi (2018): Almost 60 years after starting as a lyricist, Gulzar showed he was still a force with this award-winning patriotic number, which had a massively popular version delivered by Sunidhi Chauhan. An honourable mention also goes to his Raazi track Dilbaro, which has clocked up over 170 million views on YouTube.

More For You

Aaradhya Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing

Getty Images

Abhishek Bachchan praises Aishwarya Rai for raising Aaradhya without phone or social media

Quick highlights:

  • Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
  • Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
  • Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
  • Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.

Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.

 Aaradhya Bachchan  Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranveer Singh

Ranveer Singh in a still from Lootera that captured his most restrained performance

Twelve years of 'Lootera': 5 reasons Ranveer Singh’s most understated role still holds up

Quick highlights:

  • Ranveer’s subtle performance in Lootera marked a major shift from his usual high-energy roles.
  • The 1950s-set romantic drama became a career milestone for the actor.
  • His restrained, emotionally complex portrayal earned long-term critical acclaim.
  • The film showcased a successful collaboration with director Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • As Dhurandhar builds buzz, Lootera reminds us of Ranveer’s range.

Twelve years ago, Ranveer Singh surprised audiences with Lootera, a period romance that asked him to do something unfamiliar: stay still. Set in 1950s Bengal and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the film gave Ranveer the space to deliver one of his most subdued and mature performances. No outbursts. No spectacle. Just quiet heartbreak.

  Lootera released in 2013 and marked a stylistic shift for Ranveer Singh Prime Video  

Keep ReadingShow less
AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer

AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer smile together in viral selfie

Instagram/arrahman

AR Rahman shares selfie with Hans Zimmer as 'Ramayana' music collaboration excites fans

Quick highlights:

  • AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer will collaborate on the soundtrack for Ramayana: Part One, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
  • Rahman shared a selfie with Zimmer on Instagram, captioned “With @hanszimmer #ramayanamovie”.
  • The photo sparked a wave of excitement online, with fans and celebrities calling it a “historic moment”.
  • Ramayana: Part One stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, and Sai Pallavi, and is set for a Diwali 2026 release.

AR Rahman’s latest Instagram post has set the tone for what might be one of the most ambitious film music projects in recent Indian cinema. The Oscar-winning composer shared a selfie with legendary Hollywood music producer Hans Zimmer, confirming their collaboration on Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part One. The picture quickly went viral, as fans celebrated the rare coming together of two globally acclaimed composers for a single Indian film.

  AR Rahman confirms collaboration with Hans Zimmer on InstagramInstagram/arrahman

Keep ReadingShow less
Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham

Birmingham celebrates its heavy metal roots with Back to the Beginning show

Getty Images

Ozzy Osbourne returns to Birmingham for final Black Sabbath concert after 20 years

Quick highlights:

  • Ozzy Osbourne to perform one final time in Birmingham on 5 July, reuniting with Black Sabbath’s original line-up.
  • Villa Park will host a 10-hour metal concert titled Back to the Beginning, curated by Tom Morello.
  • The line-up includes Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, and others; proceeds go to three Birmingham-based charities.
  • The reunion marks the first time Ozzy, Iommi, Butler, and Ward will play together in 20 years.

After a lifetime of chaotic stage antics, searing vocals, and defining an entire music genre, Ozzy Osbourne is officially calling time on his career. On Saturday, the 76-year-old rock legend will headline his final concert in Birmingham, his birthplace, alongside the original members of Black Sabbath, the band that started it all.

Billed as Back to the Beginning, the sold-out event will not only mark Osbourne’s last performance but also a rare reunion with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Their last appearance as a full group was two decades ago.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less