Because He Is

by Meghna Gulzar

Because He is.... explores the journey of Gulzar, famed director, lyricist, screenplay writer, short story writers and what he first and foremost wants to be known as a poet! Meghna Gulzar, daughter of sahitya Akademi award winner Gulzar, has woven the life of her father between the barriers of the conventional pattern of a biography to present a book that marks the poet's life, career , personal reader will feel like an intrinsic part of Gulzar's life.

296 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2004

Reviews

[dunkdaft · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much has been written about him which I've kept reading till now. Then, there is one beautiful book, Conversations with Nasreen Munni Kabir. So, I thought, what could be left now? How engaging this account of life of the beloved writer poet? But afterall, it was his own daughter who is penning this down. And indeed, that is the thing which makes it so special.

Talking about Gulzar's life as seen and as heard from him by his only daughter, Meghna - Bosky. A life account, that starts on really moving prologue by Gulzar himself. Further, Meghna's words aren't less magical. Often you get overwhelmed and moved by the events described. Be it her own birth, her wedding, love and separation of her parents, her parents becoming grandparents... And so on. What makes it more special, are beautiful, perfectly placed poems at the end of each chapter. Most of them, unpublished, a treat for readers. (Not to forget, the translation by Yashvant Vyas, who did complete justice). Add to this, the rare photos, another treat.

As it happens every time, such books makes my watchlist, playlist, and to-read list - longer. Happened here too. And I'm not at all complaining.

[Fiza Pathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really moving read. Well penned & perfection achieved ! To get a look into the public & private life of Gulzar is to also get to know his uniqueness in Bollywood & his contribution to the arts. This book only made me love Gulzar more. I hope his river of poems, stories & writings continue to encourage & rejuvenate the artistic life of young aspiring Indians in the arts for a long time to come. To know more about the writer Gulzar & his work in chronological order, this book is a good start.

[Ankita Chauhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERFECT WINDOW TO HAVE A LOOK AT YOUR FAVOURITE POET'S LIFE. MUST READ.

[Mohd. Arshad · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful journey of a writer’s life.
Deeply encouraging and inspiring.

[Sumit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Gulzar and always want to know about his life. This book is very good in fulfilling my that desire but now the desire to know more arises. This book is a sketch of Gulzar's such a long illustrated life in very interesting manner.

I think the only person who will tell us more about Gulzar. other than his poems, films is Gulzar itself. I hope that someday I will be reading biography of Gulzar written by Gulzar.

[Piyusha Vir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the endearing and heartwarming book of a daughter's take of her father's life and accomplishments.