Some stories transcend the ordinary, stories that can only be felt, not fully explained. These stories are akin to the timeless, undefined relationships that exist between souls, such as the poetic bond between Sahir Ludhianvi and Amrita Pritam, or the deep connection between Gulzar and Meena Kumari. These relationships are spiritual, elusive, and deeply moving, leaving one to wonder about the true nature of their connection. One might ask, as Meena Kumari’s soul likely does, “Who were you to me, Gulzar?”
Before he became a celebrated figure in the world of cinema, Gulzar worked in a garage, struggling to make ends meet. Life was a constant search for a little bit of security—a piece of land to call home. Although he found his path in 1963 with Bimal Roy’s Bandini, his life was still nomadic. Bimal Roy recognized Gulzar’s talent and gave him the canvas of cinema to paint his words upon. It was during this period that Gulzar met Meena Kumari, a connection that would forever change his life.
Gulzar first wrote songs for Meena Kumari in the films Poornima (1965) and Pinjre Ke Panchhi (1966). Meena Kumari was not just an actress; she was also a poet, which made her friendship with Gulzar flourish. Their bond was one of words and emotions, a deep connection that neither likely expected.
Meena Kumari’s Trust in Gulzar
Perhaps neither Meena Kumari nor Gulzar anticipated the depth of their relationship. Gulzar understood Meena’s pain, and she, in turn, recognized the struggling artist and writer in him. They admired and respected each other’s talents immensely. Meena Kumari trusted Gulzar so deeply that when she began to fall ill in the late 1960s, she entrusted him with the rights to her ghazals and poetry. She believed no one could appreciate her work better than Gulzar. This act of dedication was unique, as Meena Kumari left behind her real family and relations to entrust her creative legacy to Gulzar.
Gulzar preserved Meena Kumari’s memories with great care. In 1969, Khamoshi was released, featuring Rajesh Khanna and Waheeda Rehman. One of the songs from this film, “Humne Dekhi Hai Un Aankhon Ki Mehkti Khushbu,” reflected the unspoken dignity of relationships. The lyrics captured the essence of Gulzar’s bond with Meena Kumari—an intangible connection that needed no label. Meena Kumari continued to work on Pakeezah, a film she had been shooting for years, until her death in 1972. But her spirit lived on in the words and emotions she shared with Gulzar.
Gulzar’s Fasting for Meena Kumari
Even today, Meena Kumari holds a special place in Gulzar’s heart. He refers to her as “Meena Ji” with great respect and fondness. In the book In the Company of a Poet, based on interviews with Gulzar by Nasreen Munni Kabir, Gulzar openly discussed his close relationship with Meena Kumari. For the first time, he confirmed the rumors that he had indeed fasted during Ramzan for her.
When Nasreen asked Gulzar how he started fasting, he explained, “Actually, I used to fast for the entire 30 days of Ramzan. Although I never fasted from a religious point of view, at that time, Meena Ji was unwell and had to take medicines, so she couldn’t fast. I told her, ‘You take the medicines, and I will fast in your place. Whatever blessings we receive, we will share them between us.’ That’s how we started fasting together during Ramzan.”
Even today, Gulzar continues to fast for a week or ten days during Ramzan, though his age has limited his physical strength. He recalls growing up in an environment where his Muslim friends celebrated Diwali alongside Eid, and they all participated in each other’s festivals. This sense of unity and shared celebration remains with him even today.
Gulzar and Meena Kumari: A Bond That Lives On
Gulzar once said about his songs, “My songs are neither angry nor bitter because I am not a person filled with bitterness. I am full of hope, and an artist should be like this—not just for my future or for my children’s future, but for the future of the whole universe.” His creations reflect not only life but society as a whole. He has won numerous prestigious awards in the world of cinema and reached great heights in Urdu literature. He connected the emotions of cinema and literature, making his work a mirror of society.
Gulzar’s relationship with Meena Kumari also found its way into his films. When he decided to direct movies, he chose to focus on stories that resonated with him. His directorial debut, Mere Apne (1971), starred Vinod Khanna, Shatrughan Sinha, and Meena Kumari. Despite her failing health, Meena Kumari completed the film out of her deep bond with Gulzar. Initially, the producer had suggested Nimmi for the role, but Gulzar insisted that only Meena Kumari could do justice to the character.
As Gulzar reflects on his journey with Meena Kumari, one is reminded of the lines from Dharmveer Bharati’s Kanupriya: “Neither you nor I remember the beginning of this journey, and there is no end to this journey, my fellow traveler.” Indeed, the story of Gulzar and Meena Kumari is one that transcends time, an eternal journey of love, respect, and artistic connection.
