Pavan K. Verma, a diplomat, compiles a text of some of Urdu poet Gulzar's finest works. Exploring profound themes and penned in an inimitable style, this book is a treat for all poetry buffs. Gulzar's poetry has been translated to English in this book, in order to appeal to a diverse audience.
Summary Of The Book
In India, Gulzar is better known as a lyricist and a filmmaker. Anyone familiar with his writing would state with confidence that his works are seeped in poetry and his profound love for poems comes through in his work.
His poetry reflects everyday emotions and experiences. For instance, in his poem Amaltas, he grieves for a tree that has been uprooted by a vicious storm and composes a beautiful elegy for the same. In this way, he gives a sense of poignancy to an everyday incident that one may often overlook. In another poem, The Heart Seeks, he delves into the theme of nostalgia and reminisces about the days gone by. In his poem A Day to Spend, he yearns for some more time to spend with a beloved.
In Monsoon, Gulzar compares the rainwater running through the lanes and streets to kids who return home after winning a match. In Clothes, he talks about relationships and the loss of love and uses the act of rinsing and drying garments as a metaphor for a relationship. He paints the picture of the loss of sheen on regularly washed clothes, and compares them with a relationship that is devoid of passion and love. The book contains the original Urdu verses with clear translations in English.
This edition of Selected Poems by Gulzar, translated by Pavan Verma, was published by Penguin in 2012, and it met with good reviews.
About The Authors
Born Sampooran Singh Kalra, Gulzar is a renowned Indian filmmaker, lyricist, and poet.
Other works by Gulzar include Chand Pukhraaj Ka, Raat Chaand Aur Main, Raat Pashmine Ki, Autumn Moon, Silences, Splinter, Mera Kuch Samaan, Raavi Paar, Dhuaan, Kharaashein, Khauf, Addha, Ekta, Ek Mein Do, Kaayeda, and Mangu Aur Mangli.
Gulzar's writing style is poetic and his poetry has a lot of depth. It is profound, free-flowing, and contains the aspects of everyday life.
Gulzar has written verses in Urdu, Hindi, and also Punjabi. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2004, the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002, and won the Academy Award for his song Jai Ho from the movie Slumdog Millionaire in 2008. He also won a Grammy in 2010 and has won several Filmfare and National Film Awards.
Pavan K. Verma is an officer with the Indian Foreign Service. He has written several books, including Ghalib: The Man, The Great Indian Middle Class, Becoming Indian, and Being Indian.
