Media and Cinema

Gulzar is a respected director and scriptwriter in India and one of the most well-known lyricists within mainstream Hindi cinema. He has been doing so for more than five decades. He is one of Contry’s most prominent poets. He has published several poetry anthologies as well as collections of short stories. He is also considered one of India’s best writers for children. Pavan K.Varma is an Indian Foreign Service member. He has served in Moscow, New York, and London at the Indian Missions to the United Nations. In London, he was the director of the Nehru Centre, and India’s high commissioner to Cyprus. Pavan K.Varma’s books include Ghalib, The Man, The Times and The Great Indian Middle Class. He also wrote Being Indian and Becoming Indian. He also translated Kaifi Zmi’s selected poetry and Atal Bihari Valjpayee’s poetry (21 poems) into English for Penguin.
“On the branches these wild plants Some words sometimes sprout, but never a complete poem . Gulzar, one of the most beloved poets and lyricists in the country, is known for his unique way of seeing things, his humorous expressions, and his quirky turns of phrase. His new bilingual collection Green Poems brings all these creative talents to bear in surprising and delightful ways. It celebrates Gulzar’s natural connection with nature. Gulzar writes about rivers and forests, mountains, snows, rain, clouds. The sky, the earth, space, a familiar well, Kullu Manali, Chamba and Thimpu. The poems, which are like glimpses into nature, are often brief, capturing an image in just a few lines. Sometimes the image can trigger a powerful thought. “When I walk through the forest, I feel like my ancestors are there.” . .’ Green Poems is a joy for those who are new to Gulzar’s work and his many fans.

Javed Akhtar is a Hindi film scriptwriter, poet, and lyricist. Without his family, the history of Urdu literature would not be complete. Javed is the grandson of Jan Nisar Akhtar, a prominent progressive poet and writer of Zer-e-Lab fame and Majaz, a legendary poet. Javed’s grandfather was Muztar Khairabadi, a poet who is one of the most revered names of his generation. Muztar’s father Syed Ahmad Husain Ruswa was also a great poet. Muztar’s mother Syeda Hirmaan was one of few women poets in nineteenth-century Urdu literature history. Hirmaan was the son of Allama Fazl-e Haq Khairabadi. He was not only a scholar of great stature, but also a philosopher and poet who wrote in Arabic. Ghalib was a close friend, and the Diwan e-Ghalib is a treasured work of his. For his involvement in the First War of Independence, 1857, he was sentenced to prison in Andamans. His grave is still there. Javed Akhtar is a descendant of all his ancestors and has been blessed with literature, culture, and learning. Akhtar also continues to grow the wealth he inherited through his poetry.
Javed Akhtar is a Hindi film scriptwriter, poet, and lyricist. Without his family, the history of Urdu literature would not be complete. Javed is the grandson of Jan Nisar Akhtar, a prominent progressive poet and writer of Zer-e-Lab fame and Majaz, a legendary poet. Javed’s grandfather was Muztar Khairabadi, a poet who is one of the most revered names of his generation. Muztar’s father Syed Ahmad Husain Ruswa was also a great poet. Muztar’s mother Syeda Hirmaan was one of few women poets in nineteenth-century Urdu literature history. Hirmaan was the son of Allama Fazl-e Haq Khairabadi. He was not only a scholar of great stature, but also a philosopher and poet who wrote in Arabic. Ghalib was a close friend, and the Diwan e-Ghalib is a treasured work of his. For his involvement in the First War of Independence, 1857, he was sentenced to prison in Andamans. His grave is still there. Javed Akhtar is a descendant of all his ancestors and has been blessed with literature, culture, and learning. Akhtar also continues to grow the wealth he inherited through his poetry.

Vikram Seth’s second collection of poetry reflects on three cultures that he is familiar with: India, California, and China. Vikram Seth writes about Chinese hermits and noblemen, and the love he has lost or who has outgrown him. He also describes the sounds and sights of California’s deserted beaches and the power and healing effects of the moonlight. Seven books of poetry were also published by him, including an opera libretto as well as a book of libretti. He splits his time between India and the UK.

Margaret Mascarenhas was an editor, teacher, writer and independent curator of American Indian origin. She was the author of two novels, Skin and The Disappearance Of Irene dos Santos. She died in 2019.
Savage. Searing. Compelling. Pictures and words that touch the heart with their powerful messages. Mascarenhas amazes . . It hurts. Shobhaa de ‘Give me bread, and make the poems the rich, sensual and kingfisher-coloured poetry that make Margaret Mascarenhas’ Triage. Mascarenhas, a wickedly intelligent and important voice in Indian literature, will remind you that poetry is as important as fresh-baked bread. — Nilanjana Roy