Ghalib was a great egotist, says Gulzar
Gulzar, who attributes his poetry to Mirza Ghalib, feels the legendary poet was a great egotist and enjoyed being different from others.
“He was a great egotist and he knew that and perhaps revelled in it. I think he deserved to have that arrogance. He insisted on writing in Urdu while other poets preferred Persian and Ghalib was proud that he was writing in the language of people,” said Gulzar at the launch of Pavan Kumar Varma’s book Ghalib.
As a tribute, Gulzar has commissioned a bust of the poet to commemorate his 214th birth anniversary on December 27 when it will be installed at Ghalib’s Gali Qasim Jaan home in Chandni Chowk.
“Delhi has statues and busts of so many politicians. But what about our artists,” he asked.
“The bust (of Ghalib) was made on the basis of a portrait by former President Zakir Hussain. There are not many pictures of Ghalib. He had a photo of him, which sold at ` 2, a huge amount at that time,” he said.
Gulzar will also take part in the annual candle march from the Townhall to Gali Qasim Jaan on the eve of Ghalib’s birthday.
“Ghalib is very important for everyone. You should know about him even if you are not familiar with his language. I don’t say that you don’t teach Shakes-peare in courses but introduce Ghalib, Premchand, Tagore, Kalidas and Bashir,” he said.
“His poems, his lifestyle, his behaviour everything are a great inspiration. At a time when people used to carry their religion on their shoulders He talked about humanity. The man lost seven children and carried a huge sadness inside him but despite that he was known for his sense of humour,” Gulzar added. —PTI
Post new comment