Man beyond just words

It’s time to celebrate class. It’s great news that Gulzaar saab is being honoured with the Dada Saheb Phalke award. However it is surprising that while everyone praises AR Rehman for bringing home the Oscar, they often forget to mention the contribution of this great lyricist. It is indeed unfortunate that for many years, the great filmmaker has bid adieu to making films and has been contributing only to lyrics. Fine as they may be, it would be wonderful to see this sensitive filmmaker direct a film or two. Let’s take a look at what I believe are his ten best works:

1. Mere Apne (1971) - This was Gulzar’s directorial debut. Meena Kumari heads the cast. She renders a soulful performance (in a manner that is signature of Meena Kumari). This film also stars Vinod Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha involved in gang fights. The socio-economic fabric of the time and the beginning of urban lumpens is told with great sensitivity. Salil da gave us the wonderful title song rendered by Kishore da.

2. Koshish (1972) - Yet another must see film from the Gulzar stable. Inspired by a Japanese film, in this movie follows the life of a middleclass, hearing impaired couple groping with their inabilities and face challenges. Brilliant performances from Jaya Bhaduri and Sanjeev Kumar (a pair with whom he shared a very special relationship!) added value to this unforgettable tale of human courage.

3. Achanak (1973) - Inspired by the sensational Nanavathi murder case, this short film by Gulzar did not have place for his lyrics! It had no songs - obviously he was yet to team up with Pancham. Vinod Khanna could well rate this as his best film. Also a fine performance from Farida Jalal. Without sounding very preachy, it deals seriously with the question of capital punishment. A must see film.

4. Aandhi (1975) - In terms of scale, Gulzar was dealing with a large canvas of politics after a while. Said to based on the life of Congress MP Tarakeshwari Sinha, many saw traits of Smt. Gandhi (Sr). It is strange that Suchitra Sen failed to win an award for a wonderful performance. While Sanjeev and Gulzar were recognised, it is a mystery how Suchitra Sen went unrewarded for this wonderful tale mixing matrimony with political ambitions. Gulzar and Pancham added a great dimension with their music creations. Tum aa gaye ho noor aa gaya.

5. Mausam (1975) - Cronin had a style of his own – very British and very under stated. People like Goldie and Yash Chopra did attempt to make films inspired by his work but no one came near to his spirit as much as Gulzar did. ‘Mausam’ in fact made some very fundamental departures from the original, ‘The Judas Tree’, but Gulzar made a classic with a brilliant performance by Sharmila Tagore enhancing the level of the film. Both won national awards for the film, in addition to critical acclaim.

6. Kitab (1977) - Based on Samresh Basu’s ‘Pathik’, the film suffered summary rejection at the box office. It is one of the most enduring films dealing with a child’s mind and its discomfort with the adult world. A brilliant performance from Raju Shresta (where did all the talent disappear?), the film is also a subtle take on the Indian education system and its unfriendly pattern. May be lost in its way for a while but again a Gulzar special. Very special.

7. Namkeen (1982) - Look at cast: Sanjeev, Waheeda, Sharmila, Shabana… and nearly outdoing them Kiran Warale. This is my all-time favourite by Gulzar. He was in his special zone- dealing with emotions of women. Four of them, different yet homogenous. Each of the characters leaves an indelible impression as does Sanjeev Kumar, as a lorry driver, who impacts their life. A must see for anyone who respects human emotions and enjoys good cinema.

8. Angoor (1982) - Gulzar never hid his inspirations. Debu Sen visited Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ in the 1960s but this was a Sanjeev Kumar special, with Deven Varma giving him wonderful support. The Sanjeev tongue in cheek humour was ideal and Gulzar showed that he was just as good in making light hearted films. ‘Angoor’ could be listed among the ten top comedy films made in Bollywood.

9. Lekin (1991) - The film comes with great credentials - based on a short story by Rabindranath Tagore, produced by Lata Mangeshkar, Dimple Kapadia at her gorgeous best, the backdrop of Rajasthan captured with brilliance by Manmohan Singh and haunting music by Hridaynath Mangeshkar. The film’s music won many awards and added to the mystery as to how Dimple as Reva did not walk away with an award. This film about reincarnation may not be the best of Gulzar’s works but it’s interesting how he got the varying aspects of cinema together with a lot of effort and class.

10. Maachis (1992) - Yet again, Gulzar was in the midst of awards, sensitivity, politics, great music and sadly without Pancham. However listen to ‘paani paani re’ or ‘chapachapa charka chale’ and you notice a similarity between the departed Pancham and the promise of Vishal Bharadwaj. The world of cinema sat up to watch Tabu, in her brilliance, and took a human look at the violence that was Punjab. A home going of sorts for the film maker - it was a poignant tale told in a manner that made Gulzar so very special to our cinema - never over stating, yet never missing the detail.

He returned to make another film with Tabu and since then has not ventured into direction again. Hopefully the recognition of being honoured with the highest award in the field would get him to making another gem. Congrats Gulzar Saab. Der aye durst aye. A whole generation of filmmakers and viewers would say: ‘Jimeinaata hai tere kadmon se chunkemanzilchale…..’