Happy Birthday Gulzar: 10 songs of this legendary poet you would not want to miss today

By Apoorva Nijhara

Updated on Aug 19, 2016 | 06:47 PM IST | 8.9M

“The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it. ” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

His name is Sampooran Singh Kalra but we know and love him as Gulzar. The above quote is for this legendary poet - a man with born talent and he found happiness in using it.

"Pyaar toh toothbrush and toothpaste ka hota hai, Din me ek baar milte hain lekin miltein zaroor hain," - this is the simplicity in the poetry of Gulzar and the essence of writing will never fade.

Born in Jhelum, Pakistan, he came to India after partition with scars and pain that later reflected through his verses. He got his first break in 1956, when Bimal Roy hired him as a lyricist for his movie Bandini. His song Mera Gora Ang Lai Le became an instant hit and since then there was no looking back for him.

He went onto work with the masters of industry including the likes of SD Burman, Hemant Kumar and A.R. Rehman, leaving behind his indelible impression each time. Gulzar's every creation is a masterpiece, be it Hamri Atariya Pe Aaja Re Sanwariya or Dekha Dekhi Tanik Hoi Jaaye. He weaves magic into his words and hence is the master of poetry.

Gulzar is impeccable in expressing each and every feeling and his songs will surely touch your heart. Remember how he gave his voice to the songs like Tadap Tadap Ke and Tujhe Bhula Diya? These songs not just made that era hum along with him, but even today the freshness of these songs is in the air.

Gulzar's tremendous work has bagged him many awards and accolades. While he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award in 2002, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2004. Besides, he has won a number of National film awards and has bagged 20 Filmfare awards. His poetry touched new glories when he won the 81st Academy Awards in 2007 for his song Jai Ho in Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire.

On his 82nd birthday, we give you a list of ten memorable songs by this ace-poet.

Mera Gora Rang Le Lei (Bandini)