Because He is.........

Because He is.... explores the journey of Gulzar, famed director, lyricist, screenplay writer, short story writers and what he first and foremost wants to be known as, a poet ! Meghna Gulzar, daughter of Sahitya Akademi award winner Gulzar, has woven the life of her father between the pages of this book. Meghna skillfully transcends the barriers of the conventional pattern of a biography to present a book that marks the poet’s life, career, personal moments, joys and sorrows, in such a way that the reader will feel like an intrinsic part of Gulzar’s life.

His films are known for their sensitive depiction of interpersonal relationships, films like Parichay, Mausam, Aandhi, Maachis, have touched a chord in all of us in one way or the other. The author, a director herself, speaks about her father’s rise to become one of the most respected names in the Indian film industry, a name that now has seventeen Filmfare Awards and seven national Awards, besides innumerable books to his credit! The book is a personal insight into the bond between a father and daughter and the tremendous respect they have for each other’s work. A rare tribute from a daughter to her father!

Do not erase these lines
let them be.
My Child
has drawn them,
with her little pink hands.
Curved and curly.

What if the lines
do not make a form?

In these lines,
I see my child's hands.
In these lines,
I see myself.

Meghna Gulzar's stint with writing began in 1989 while she was studying in St. Xaviers College, Mumbai. She wrote as a freelancer writer for 'The Times of India' and the NFDC Publication Cinema in India. Her poems too, have been published in anthologies of the Poetry Society of India. After completing her graduation in sociology, Meghna worked with noted filmmaker Saeed Akhter Mirza as an assistant director. In 1995, she went on to do a short course in filmmaking from the Tisch School of arts, New York University, New York.

Upon her return, she joined her father writer-director Gulzar, as an assistant on his notable film 'Maachis' and 'Hu Tu Tu'. Meghna simultaneously began scripting her own film along with directing documentaries for Doordarshan and music videos for several music album. Always keen to expand her creative horizons, Meghna has also anchored several TV shows including 'The Amul India Show'.

Her first feature film, Filhaal... was released in 2002 and she is currently working on her next feature film.