Afsar Dayatar/Rediff.com captures scenes from the launch of Yatindra Mishra's Gulzar Saab: Hazara Rahein Mud Ke Dekhin in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Mishra's authorised biography covers his interactions over 15 years with Gulzarsaab and also analyses the films he directed, the poems and songs he wrote and the screenplays and dialogues he created.
Hema Malini, the chief guest at the book launch, recalled she was delighted that she did not have to wear any make-up or wigs in Gulzarsaab's films.
Hemaji, who represents Mathura in the Lok Sabha, also revealed that Gulzarsaab pushed her into direction with the television series Nupur.
Director-composer Vishal Bhardwaj, who has collaborated with Gulzarsaab on several films including Maachis, disclosed that Gulzarsaab had predicted that Vishal -- when he composed the music for Maachis -- would direct films one day.
Vishal said he came to Mumbai with a dream to work on at least one song in a film with Gulzar saab.
Hemaji, Gulzarsaab noted, has a royal presence and inspired him by her dedication.
Rememembering the lack of funds when making Meera, he said, "I asked her to work in the film without taking any money and she said this is a film which she would like to watch with her children and their children."
"Pancham (the late composer Rahul Dev Burman) and I had the longest association, but after his death a young man held my hand and that is Vishal and because of him I am still young in my songs."
