About the Author

Sampooran Singh Kalra, born in 1934, is an Indian lyricist, poet, and director. His pen name is Gulzar, and his first song was for the movie Bandini. Since then, he has written the lyrics of hundreds of songs for movies such as Guddi, Khamoshi, Anand, Namak Haram, Raajneeti, Raincoat, Bunty Aur Babli, Dil Se, and many more. In 1971, he directed his first movie, Mere Apne. He later made Koshish and Parichay. Gulzar's poetry has been published in Raat Pashminey Ki, Chand Pukhraaj Ka, and Pandrah Paanch Pachattar. Dhuan and Raavi-paar are his collection of short stories. The song Jai Ho from the movie Slumdog Millionaire won the Academy Award for Best Original Song. He also won a Grammy for the same song. Gulzar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2004, and has won the National Award thrice. In 2002, he was the recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award. Gulzar continues to write stories, screenplays, and lyrics for a wide range of movies.