Zee Classic raises a toast to Hindi Cinema's Alfazon ke Sartaj 'Gulzar Saab'

A maverick, an eloquent writer and a poet par excellence, Gulzar didn’t just scribble words but his writing left its essence lingering and nourishing the audiences’ heart and soul. To commemorate this renowned personality’s 81st birthday (18th August) Zee Classic, India’s only classic Hindi movie channel, is celebrating ‘Gulzar Special’ that will showcase two of the finest films from his illustrious career.

Adhering to its core proposition ‘Woh Zamaana Kare Deewana’, the channel took its audience for a trip down the memory lane with the Gulzar’s beautiful narrative Parichay which aired on 15 August and will air a sensitive yet earthy Khushboo on 22nd August, Saturday at 6 PM.
Sampooran Singh Kalra, known popularly by his pen name Gulzar, is one of Hindi Cinema’s last surviving links with its golden era. A dreamer who came to Mumbai with thoughts of turning a writer first worked as a mechanic in a garage. With a knack of mixing colors, he used to paint the dented cars, matching its colors and much to his personality bringing them back to life. A twist of fate brought him to meet the revolutionary director Bimal Roy who went on to be Gulzar’s mentor and closest confidant.

Known to be a sensitive storyteller moved by the stories of a common man, Gulzar’s hero was never over the top. In fact, he was a regular average Jo who won hearts with his sensitivity and mature outlook. Similarly Gulzar’s heroines were never quintessential damsels in distress, they were strong, courageous women never afraid to speak their mind.
This Saturday 22nd August at 6 PM the channel will showcase Khushboo, based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s novel. It is an anti-thesis of what cinema stood for in the mid-1970s. An unusual story set in a rustic backdrop, the film is even more noteworthy for the melee of strong female characters and RD Burman's fresh music.
Kusum (Hema Malini) lives in Siddipur with her elder brother Kunj (Asrani), who sell toys. When an elderly woman looked after by Kusum falls ill, a doctor Brindavan (Jeetendra) is called from the neighbouring village. Kusum is startled to learn the name of the doctor. Events reveal that as a young girl Kusum was betrothed to Brindavan but a nasty property dispute separated the young souls. Years later, Brindavan’s mother who was trying to mend the old relationship approaches Kusum with a fresh marriage proposal for his now widowed son. However, still seething at long-unaddressed slights, Kusum rejects it.  What follows is whirlwind of emotional ups and down leaving both Kusum and Brinda longing for each other.
With a line-up of captivating yet full of realism, ‘Gulzar Special’ will definitely leave the audience reminiscing the sweet, subtle days of films that touch your heart!
~Tune in to Gulzar Special Khushboo only on Zee Classic on Saturday,  22nd August at 6 PM~