Renowned Poet and Lyricist Gulzar to Receive Prestigious Jnanpith Award

Gulzar, the maestro of poetry and lyrics, is set to be honored with the esteemed Jnanpith Award, cementing his status as a legend in the literary realm. In a heartfelt video message, Gulzar expressed gratitude to his admirers for this distinguished recognition.

Acknowledging the significance of the accolade, Gulzar remarked, “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have bestowed upon me the Jnanpith Award, as well as to those who appreciate my Urdu poetry and Shayari.”

Reflecting on the enduring appeal of poetry amidst the dominance of film and music, he added, “There’s often a misconception that poetry and Shayari are overshadowed by other forms of entertainment. However, the reception of the Jnanpith Award reaffirms that people still cherish the beauty of Urdu poetry and Shayari, which fills my heart with joy.”

The 58th edition of the Jnanpith Award, for the year 2023, sees Swami Rambhadracharya honored for Sanskrit, alongside Gulzar for his contribution to Urdu, as declared by the esteemed selection committee.

Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra, is a luminary in the world of Hindi cinema, renowned for composing timeless melodies and crafting evocative lyrics. His journey began with the film ‘Kabuliwala’ starring Balraj Sahni, marking the onset of a prolific career as a lyricist. Beyond his lyrical prowess, Gulzar has directed several critically acclaimed films including ‘Maachis,’ ‘Aandhi,’ ‘Mausam,’ ‘Khushboo,’ ‘Parichay,’ and ‘Koshish,’ showcasing his multifaceted talent in filmmaking.

His illustrious career is adorned with numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards, the Padma Bhushan in 2004, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, and the Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu in 2002, underscoring his profound impact on Indian cinema and literature.

Established in 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith, the Jnanpith Award stands as India’s foremost literary honor, alongside the Sahitya Akademi Awards, recognizing exemplary contributions to literature and language.