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Gulzar's Mumbai: A Poet's Partner in Crime
26 Oct
Summary
- Gulzar views Mumbai as a collaborative partner, not just a backdrop.
- The poet's new book captures Mumbai's changing identity and migrant realities.
- Translating Gulzar's unique voice and imagery presents a significant challenge.
At a recent literature festival, celebrated poet Gulzar took attendees on a journey through Mumbai, a city integral to his work. His book, "Aamchi Mumbai: My City in Stories and Poems," translated by Dr Rakhshanda Jalil, captures his enduring relationship with the metropolis.
Gulzar explained "Aamchi" stems from a historical slogan, signifying collective ownership. For him, Mumbai is more than a backdrop; it's a "partner" influencing his poetry and life philosophy. He feels he has "paid homage" to the city's unique essence, its "namak" or flavour.
Dr Jalil highlighted the difficulty in translating Gulzar's distinctive voice, characterized by vivid imagery and a childlike whimsy. Kausar Munir added that Gulzar's writing captures a realistic Mumbai, addressing social issues and environmental concerns, eschewing a purely romanticized depiction.
