Divya
The renowned lyricist Gulzar Saab requires no introduction. With soulful and evocative lyrics, the Veteran’s contribution towards shaping the Indian music industry has indeed been illustrious!
Let us cherish 10 such eternally beautiful, unforgettable lyrical masterpieces brimming with emotions that Gulzar ji managed to magically capture into words.
1. Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi
Jeene ke liye sochaa hi nahi
Dard sambhalane honge
Muskuraaye to muskuraane ke
Karz utarne honge
Sung by Lata Mangeshkar, this masterpiece was made for the movie Masoom in 1982. This song really resonated with the audience for the melancholic yet meaningful lyrics penned by Gulzar saab, talking about braving the pain and difficulties of life.
2. Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa To Nahin
Tere bina zindagi se koi, shikwa, to nahi
Shikwa nahi, shikwa nahi, shikwa nahi
Tere bina zindagi bhi lekin, zindagi, to nahi
Zindagi nahi, zindagi nahi, zindagi nahi
This song from Aandhi has been sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. Gulzar’s bittersweet poetry shines through in this wistful song, expressing regret about lost love.
3. Mera Kuch Saaman
Aadhe sookhe, aadhe geele
Sukha to main le aaye thee
Geela man shayad bistar ke paas pada ho
The 1987 Gulzar directorial film Ijaazat featured the track Mera Kuch Saman sung by Asha Bhosle. This iconic song was hailed to be ‘ahead of its time’ when it was released. Gulzar’s words have effectively captured the moments of heartbreak, intimate memories and loss in love.
4. Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi
Woh shaam kuch ajeeb thi
Yeh shaam bhi ajeeb hai
Woh kal bhi paas thi
Woh aaj bhi kareeb hai
Sung by Kishore Kumar in the movie Khamoshi, the evergreen song Woh Shaam Kuch Ajeeb Thi is bound to take you back to the glorious, bygone era. Gulzar saab’s soulful, romantic lyrics full of pathos and hope evoke a sense of deja vu.
5. Katra Katra Milti Hai
Katra katra milti hai
Katra katra jeene do
Zindagi hai, zindagi hai
Behne do, behne do
Pyaasi hoon main pyaasi rehne do
Another Gulzar Gem from Ijazaat, sung by Asha Bhosle – Katra Katra Milti Hai! Gulzar ji’s captivating lyrics reflect the essence of living life as it comes.
6. Aane Wala Pal
Aane wala pal jane wala hai
Aane wala pal jane wala hai
Ho sake toh is mein zindagi bita do
Pal joh yeh jane wala hai ho ho
Crooned by Kishore Kumar, Aane Wala Pal from the 1979 movie Golmaal, is another timeless song put into words by Gulzar. His lyrics truly capture the fleeting beauty of life’s moments.
7. Naam Goom Jayega
Naam goom jaayegaa
Chehara ye badal jayegaa
Meri awaaz hi pehachaan hai
Gar yaad rahe
Naam Goom Jayega from Kinara, sung beautifully by Bhupinder Singh and Lata Mangeshkar is still remembered today for the poignant and profound lyrics by Gulzar. Talking about how some things are temporary and how some can transcend the test of time, the song is open to multiple interpretations.
8. Surmayee Ankhiyon Mein
Surmayee ankhiyon mein
Nanha munna ek sapana de jaa re
Nindiya ke udate paakhi re, akhiyon mein aaja saathi re
Surmayee Ankhiyon Mein from Sadma sung by Yesudas was a masterpiece. This enchanting and iconic lullaby penned by Gulzar carries varied nuances of conflicting emotions.
9. Chhod Aaye Hum Woh Galiyan
Chhod aaye hum woh galiyan
Jahan tere pairon ke
Kanwal gira karte the
Hanse to do gaalon mein
Bhanwar pada karte the
Chhod Aaye Hum Woh Galiyan from Maachis, sung by Hariharan, KK, Suresh Wadkar and Vinod Sehgal is another iconic song. Gulzar’s genius was not limited to his lyrical compositions since he had also donned the Director’s hat for Maachis. Maachis also marked the beginning of the legendary collaboration between Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar.
10. Dil Dhundhta Hai Fir Wohi
Jaado ki narm dhup aur aangan me let kar
Aankho pe khinch kar tere daaman ke saaye ko
Aaundhe pade rahe kabhi karwat liye huye
Dil dhoondhta hai
Dil dhoondhta hai fir wahi fursat ke rat din
The 1975 film Mausam was also directed by Gulzar, and he had written lyrics for all the songs in the movie as well. Sung by Bhupinder Singh and Lata Mangeshkar, Dil Dhoondhta Hai Phir Wahi is a mesmerizing song that speaks of longing and yearning.
