Selected Poems Gulzar translated by Pavan K. Varma

How can anyone doubt the works of Sampooran Singh Kalra, also known as Gulzar Saab or Gulzar? He is a great Indian lyricist, poet, author, screenwriter and film director. His passion began with Rabindranath Tagore's collection of poems called Gardener, and then Ghalib's works let him explore 'another universe' of poetry. Also, Waris and Bulle Shah have inspired Gulzar a lot in the course of his life.

Gulzar is known for his insightful representation of the relationships of humans, the moments and the nature, he has also written about various other things, the valley, any profession etc. His deep understanding of the words has differentiated him from being a casual poet.

Selected Poems Gulzar translated by Pavan K. Varma includes both the original version by Gulzar in Hindi and the translated version by Pavan Ji. When I ordered this book I wanted to read the original version by Gulzar, his own observation, and his words and after completing this, even though I was scared, I read the translations. If you would read the translator’s note, he believes, “Gulzar Sahab’s works need an audience much beyond Hindi speaking world. If the translations are able to convey even the fraction of the power and meaning of the original, my effort would have served its purpose.” I was worried about reading someone else’s translation as I would not be able to revisit my imagination, my picture, but reading these translations gave another understanding, explaining another layer of Gulzar’s poetry.  

“आओ सारे पहन लें आईने  

सारे देखेंगे अपना ही चेहरा

सबको सारे हसीं लगेंगे यहां!” - Gulzar

“Come, let us all wear mirrors
we will only see our own faces then

Everyone will appear attractive to the other” translated by Pavan K. Varma

The book has selected poems of Gulzar and also Triveni i.e., the poems that consist of three lines. Humans and their relationships, God, Universe, books, some special moments, weather, profession etc., are the topics you would visit in this book. The titles have been kept simple but the meaning of the verses is actually deep. Gulzar has also portrayed prostitute with his words. In the words of the translator, "Gulzar is not a casual poet." He writes ‘simply about complex things.’ Since Gulzar’s poems are in 'simple Hindustani', this makes it easier for readers in India to read it. Poetry is a genre that is not easy to understand but Gulzar’s selected poems will provoke you to read more. After all, we all find our peace in the world of words.

Pavan Ji has translated ‘the meaning and the diction, beautifully’ that even Gulzar thinks, people might believe English verses ‘to be the original, and the Hindi as the translation.'