Gulzar’s love for Kashmir and Haider

Poet full of praise for Vishal Bhardwaj for exploring the valley’s rich cultural history in his new film

Haider may not be releasing in Pakistan as scheduled but the Pakistan born poet, Gulzar has fond memories of Kashmir and his friend Vishal Bhardwaj. In an interview with The Times of India, the well known poet shared how Bhardwaj’s Haider is going to explore the valley of Kashmir beyond geographical boundaries, something that previous films have failed to achieve.

The poet recalls how during the 60’s and 70’s the scenic valleys and picturesque locations of Kashmir were the preferred place for outdoor shoots.



“Our films captured more of the geography of Kashmir; in Haider, it is history that Vishal has captured. And that’s the most beautiful part. It is for the first time that Kashmir will be shown in this kind of detail, be it its people, places, mohallas or its journey,” remarked the renowned poet.

Gulzar added further added, “I have a special connection with the river Jhelum, as I was born on the other side of it, in Dina, Pakistan. I knew and had a relationship with its people. Our films up till now have only showed the physical side, in Haider, he has shown the life of people that really touched me.”

Being Indian cinemas foremost lyricist and poets over the years, Gulzar has also directed classic movies such as Namkeen and Machis. The one time director himself shot the song Tere Bina Zindagi Se Koi Shikwa Toh Nahi from the movie Aandhi in Kashmir. Ironically it is the same location where the song Bismil from Haider was filmed.

“Many years back, I shot at the same spot where Vishal has shot the song Bismil,” said Gulzar.

He further stated in his praise for Vishal Bhardwaj that, “His shooting at the same location independently shows how souls meet. He is my son, my extension. It isn’t easy to define the relationship I share with him. He is like a son, a brother, a disciple, a colleague, and a companion.”

The writer believes that Bhardwaj was in pace with the time and it reflects very strongly in his films and screenwriting.



“Thematically, his films will be treated as text books in film schools after 15 years. I have a difference of opinion with him, when he says that he has adapted Shakespeare though. In our democratic times, talking about the common man like Vishal does is closer to Munshi Premchand than Shakespeare,” said the Academy Award winning lyricist.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2014.

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