We struggled really hard to figure out what to write on this D-day, how to write a new post on the legend, and write something that has not been written or said before. Or something that his fans haven’t seen before. Naah, everything has been discussed and dissected million times in trillion ways. 116 (chaand ki raatei) has turned into a magical number too, with everyone having their own theory about it. From Bandini to Beera, Kinara to Kaminey, Dil Se to Dil toh baccha hai ji, he never fails to surprise. Will there ever be any Gulzar ? Well, we all know the answer.
Click on the play button to see if the video surprises you…if you have seen Gulzarsaab in this avatar before…
Got it ? If no, read on. The film is Jallianwala Bagh and was produced and directed by Balraj Tah. As the name suggests, its based on the historical Jallianwala Bagh incident. Gulzarsaab played an Indian student studying in England, and as a part of freedom movement, he delivered speeches in the campus. He played a friend to Parikshit Sahni, who was one of the main characters in the film. The music was by R D Burman.
As the story goes, most of the people were associated with this production because there were in good terms with the makers of the film. Hrishikesh Mukherjee was also involved with the film as a “friendly” director. In Gulzarsaab’s words..
“Kyonki production mein bahut saari cast ki zaroorat thi, isliye jitne bhi log film mein backstage pe bhi involved the un sabko in front of camera khada kar diya..(except Pancham) aur sabse kaha ki ek ek role kar lo.. meine jo specific character kiya wo sirf isliye kiya ki film Thand ke dino mein shoot huyee thi.. aur film mein kewal mera character ki dress pullover (fully covered) mein thi :)… isliye wo character meine maang liya.”
And now its time to test your GQ – Gulzar Quotient. Guess the names of the films in which he has made onscreen appearance. Clueless like us ? Well, check out this song from Basu Bhattacharya’s Griha Pravesh starring Sanjeev Kumar, Sharmila Tagore, Sarika and Dinesh Thakur.
Can you remember any other film where he has made onscreen appearance ? Do let us know in the comment section.
PS – And as always, thanks to Pavan Jha for everything!
Yes, finally some indian connection at Cannes Film Festival this year. Actress Sharmila Tagore will serve as a jury member in the festival’s feature film category.
F.i.g.h.t C.l.u.b 