Gulzar thanks those who chose him
According to the selection committee, the 58th Jnanpith Award for the year 2023 has been awarded to Swami Rambhadracharya for Sanskrit and Shri Gulzar for Urdu.
Legendary lyricist and poet Gulzar will be honoured with the Jnanpith Award. On this, Gulzar expressed gratitude to his fans in a video message.
He said, “I would like to thank all those people who chose me for the Jnanpith Award and also those people who listen to my poetry and Shayari in the Urdu language.”
He added, “I was thinking that maybe it is because of the film and music, people are not aware of listening to poetry and Shayari. But, when the announcement of the Jnanpith Award came, I felt that people were still interested in listening to Urdu poetry and Shayari. I felt so happy.”
According to the selection committee, the 58th Jnanpith Award for the year 2023 has been awarded to Swami Rambhadracharya for Sanskrit and Shri Gulzar for Urdu.
Sampooran Singh Kalra, popularly known as Gulzar, has penned several memorable and iconic songs in Hindi cinema. He started his career as a lyricist with the film Kabuliwala, starring Balraj Sahni.
He has penned songs and scripts in numerous films, and also directed several acclaimed feature films, including Maachis, Aandhi, Mausam, Khushboo, Parichay and Koshish.
He has earlier received the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, the Padma Bhushan in 2004, and at least five National Film awards for his works.
The Jnanpith Award was instituted in 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith. Along with the Sahitya Akademi Awards, it is the foremost prize for Indian literature.
Renowned poet, lyricist, and filmmaker Gulzar recently expressed his heartfelt gratitude upon being chosen for the prestigious Jnanpith Award. The award, one of the highest literary honors in India, is a recognition of Gulzar’s significant contributions to the world of literature, particularly in the realm of Urdu poetry.
In an exclusive interview, Gulzar shared his feelings of gratitude and humility. He remarked, “Receiving the Jnanpith Award is a moment of immense joy and honor for me. It feels like a validation of the love and appreciation people have shown towards Urdu poetry and my work over the years.”
Gulzar, whose real name is Sampooran Singh Kalra, has been a prominent figure in the Indian literary and artistic landscape for decades. Born in British India, he has witnessed the evolution of the country and its culture, contributing profoundly to its artistic expression. His body of work includes not only soul-stirring poetry but also iconic film lyrics and memorable film direction.
Upon being asked about what the award means to him personally, Gulzar responded with a sense of reflection. “Awards are not just acknowledgments; they are reflections of the audience’s connection with the art. The Jnanpith Award, being a literary honor, holds a special place as it signifies a deep understanding and appreciation for Urdu poetry, a form that I have always cherished.”
Urdu poetry, with its rich linguistic and cultural tapestry, has been a cornerstone of Gulzar’s creative expression. The poet emphasized that receiving the Jnanpith Award for his contributions to Urdu literature felt like a recognition of the continued interest people have in this classical form of poetry.
“I have always believed that poetry, especially Urdu poetry, has a timeless quality. It has the power to connect generations and transcend cultural boundaries. This award reaffirms my belief that people are still interested in listening to and engaging with Urdu poetry,” Gulzar added.
Gulzar’s poetry is characterized by its profound simplicity, touching upon a myriad of themes ranging from love and loss to the socio-political landscape. His ability to encapsulate complex emotions in a few poignant verses has resonated with audiences across the globe. The Jnanpith Award acknowledges not just Gulzar’s individual brilliance but also the enduring relevance of Urdu poetry in contemporary times.
As a recipient of numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Song, Gulzar remains grounded and connected to his roots. When asked about his creative process and the themes he chooses to explore, he responded, “Every piece of art comes from a place of honesty. I draw inspiration from life—its joys, its sorrows, and the human experience. Urdu poetry, with its lyrical beauty, provides a canvas for me to paint these emotions.”
The Jnanpith Award, instituted in 1961, has been conferred upon some of the most eminent literary figures in India. Gulzar joins the esteemed list of laureates who have left an indelible mark on the country’s literary landscape. The poet expressed his gratitude not just for the award itself but also for the platform it provides to Urdu poetry, a genre that sometimes grapples with misconceptions and is often misunderstood.
In his concluding remarks, Gulzar extended his thanks to those who have been a part of his artistic journey. “I am grateful to my readers, listeners, and everyone who has been a part of this beautiful journey. It’s heartening to see that the essence of Urdu poetry is alive and cherished. This award is as much theirs as it is mine.”
As Gulzar continues to inspire with his verses, the Jnanpith Award serves as a beacon, illuminating the enduring allure of Urdu poetry and the profound impact it can have on the cultural fabric of a nation.
