Once it was a time when Urdu language had no particular state, or nation, today Urdu has a nation,” says the renowned lyricist, composer Gulzar.
The Dada Saheb Phalke awardee Sampooran Singh aka Gulzar is here in Bhopal with the entire team of the play ‘Humsafar’. The play is scheduled to be staged at Iftekhar Theatre Festival at Bharat Bhavan on Saturday. Directed by Salim Arif it stars lubna Salim and Harsh Chhaya.
In a candid talk with the media persons here on Friday, Gulzar not only shared his eternal relationship with Bhopal but also shares his experience throughout.
As he talked about art and culture, he emphasised over the Urdu language saying, “Urdu language now a days is doing really very well. Now the Urdu newspapers are step by step coping up with the English newspapers and its status now has improved a lot.” Elaborating further, he said, “Now these newspapers are all computerised and the language is simply beautiful.”
As he emphasised over the language, he also said that Tagore’s writings should also come out of one section of the book and should be taught as a subject overall in schools.
Gulzar has been visiting the city of lakes since 20 to 25 years. He believes that his relationship with Bhopal is extremely eternal. He has worked in Bharat Bhavan as well. As he recalls his past time in Bhopal he says, “Though I never perform and has never performed at Bharat Bhavan. But all I want to meet the artists here, talk to them and to see their talent.” Elaborating further he said, “There is a lot to learn and a lot to experience. Most of times it happens that one needs no words to express. It is because the artists of Bhopal are aware of the activities being held here. So this is all because of their awareness, which is appreciable.”
Talking more about the plays and Bharat Bhavan, director Salim Arif said, “Since the time of Rangmandal of Bharat Bhavan, the dramas staged here have created a landmark. But if one notices all this culture has originated from Mumbai theatres. But now somewhere I feel that the colours of dramas in Bhopal are diminishing now days.”
During the occasion, actors Harsh Chhaya and lubna Salim were also present.