I'm proud of this recognition: Gulzar on Jnanpith Award

Revered poet, lyricist, and filmmaker Gulzar was honoured with the 58th Jnanpith Award for 2023. The recognition was conferred upon him by President Droupadi Murmu in a ceremony held in New Delhi on May 16 for his outstanding contribution to Indian literature and the world of Urdu writing. While he couldn't attend the ceremony due to health reasons, he accepted the award in an informal ceremony at his Pali Hill residence on Thursday. Speaking to us, he admitted that he had been hoping to win the award, he said, "One waits for that kind of recognition where your literary work is recognised. Urdu is a language born in India and belongs to us. Most Urdu works are now available in Devnagri script in India and I'm proud of this recognition."

Joining him in the celebrations were filmmaker and long-time collaborator Vishal Bhardwaj with wife Rekha and Gulzar's daughter, Meghna's husband Govind Sandhu, along with some members from the literary community. "Vishal and Rekha are like my children. Of course, my son-in-law was there and my old friends joined in. I could not make it to Delhi, but I'm happy members of the team came down and we could celebrate here in Mumbai."