Imtiaz Ali is glad that Bollywood is finally planning a project on late writer Shiv Kumar Batalvi

After Paan Sing Tomar, biopics seem to be the flavour of the season. We now hear that Sushmita Sen's ex-beau Mudassar Aziz is all set to direct a biopic on the life of the renowned Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi.

The Punjabi poet penned soulful poems like 'Maye ni maye' and 'Ajj din chadeya tere rang varga' that was used in a song in Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal. Says producer Sunil Bohra, "Batalvi's poems have been an inspiration for many and are loved across the borders.

He was one of the most romantic poets and what can be a bigger tribute than a film on his own love story that ended tragically?" Director Imtiaz Ali, who is a huge fan of Batalvi and even used a line from his poem 'Aaj din chadeya' in a song in Love Aaj Kal, is very excited to hear the news.

He says, "I am really glad that somebody is making a film on the poet." Imtiaz, who was introduced to the poet's works through his lyricist friend Irshad Kamil, says, "Irshad is also from Punjab and a huge admirer and a fan of Batalvi. Never before had I used any line from poetry in my films.

Nothing else could express the thought so beautifully, which is why I used that line with permission." Imtiaz adds, "Batalvi was a fakir, awaara, an unbridled, passionate, irreverent person who did crazy things like write poems on the walls of houses while under the influence of something (read alcohol).

Shiv Kumar Batalvi (1936-1973), also known as the Mirza Ghalib of Punjab, became the youngest recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award.