Gulzar was born as Sampooran Singh, on August 18, 1936. His birthplace was the town of Deena, which is now in Pakistan. The tumultuous events of the partition saw him shift base to Delhi, finding the climate in India more conducive to creative pursuit. He started as a poet and was associated with the Progressive Writers Association PWA.

Poet, Lyricist, Writer, Director - Gulzar is one of those sensitive people whose work is laced with the lyrical but psychologically adept examination of human sensibilities.

His career in the film industry began, like so many others, in a small way. He worked as an assistant to Bimal Roy, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Hemant Kumar, learning the trade and honing his skills. His first break as lyricist came when he wrote Mora Gora Ang Lai Lae for Bimal Roy`s Bandini, 1963. He then began writing for films for directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Asit Sen. Some of the films that Gulzar has written include Anand, 1970, Guddi, 1971, Bawarchi, 1972 and Namak Haram, 1973 for Hrishida and Do Dooni Char, 1968, Khamoshi, 1969 and Safar, 1970 for Asit Sen. All bore his trademark lyrics, elegant and sensitive. Recognition for his efforts was not long in coming.

Not yet completely satisfied with what he was doing in the film industry he soon began writing scripts, screenplays and drafted stories for films. Taking the big step, Gulzar turned filmmaker with Mere Apne in 1971.

Gulzar went on to make Parichay, 1972 and Koshish, 1972, a sensitive look at the travails of a deaf - dumb couple superbly played by Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri. With these films also began a mutually beneficial partnership with Sanjeev Kumar. The Gulzar - Sanjeev Kumar partnership resulted in such fine films as Aandhi, 1975, Mausam, 1975, Angoor, 1981 and Namkeen, 1982 and represent Sanjeev Kumar`s finest work as an actor. Aandhi ran into controversy due to Suchitra Sen`s role which was based on Indira Gandhi and was even banned for a while.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a decline in Gulzar the filmmaker even though films like Ijaazat, 1987, Lekin, 1990 and Maachis, 1996 had their moments. His last film to date Hu Tu Tu 1999 was a total misfire. However, Mirza Ghalib 1988 a TV serial made on the great poet`s life and starring Naseeruddin Shah as Ghalib was a landmark in the history of Indian Television. He has also contributed to the popular TV serials Jungle Book and Potli Baba Ki, with songs, narration and some typical Gulzar magic.

He has continued to write screenplays, dialogues and lyrics for other films among them Masoom, 1982 and Rudaali 1992. He has also been the lyricist of films like Thodi si Bewafaai, 1980, Basera, 1981, Sadma, 1983, Ghulami, 1985, Maya Memsaab, 1992, Dil Se, 1998 and Satya, 1998.

Gulzar has been honoured time and again for his work. This includes winning the National Award thrice - Best Screenplay for Koshish, Best Director for Mausam and Best Lyricist for Ijaazat. He has also won the Filmfare Award 14 times - including 7 times for Best Lyricist and The Best Director Award for Mausam.

Gulzar makes a comeback to the film industry with Rakesh Mehta`s Aks, where he has penned superior lyrics to recreate the dark and sinister mood of the film. Gulzar will always continue to remain the poet laureate of Hindi cinema.