What is the easiest way to recognise a Gulzar song? The hero or heroine serenades the moon.
What is the easiest way to recognise a Gulzar song? The hero or heroine serenades the moon. Gulzar's takia kalam, say his chahite, is the word 'chand'. Then there's his love for the words 'shabnam', 'paani', 'sapne', 'dhuan' and 'raatu00a0-- all of which help the poet-lyricist create the perfect romantic song. 
Poet Yatindra Mishra explores this and other nuggets about Gulzar's songs in his new book, Meelon Se Din.
The work is a compilation of lyrics written by Gulzar. From his first Mora Gora Ang Lai Le for Bimal Roy in 1963 to Jai Ho from the Oscar Award-winning soundtrack of Slumdog Millionaire, the book includes 125 songs from a career that spans nearly 50 years.
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While there is no particular order in which the songs are included, it is clear that the more popular tunes are those that feature here, not necessarily the ones with the most lyrical thought.
The introduction by Mishra is well-written. There is a sincere attempt to look at the songs from an academic angle: themes, imagery, influences and inspirations are discussed at length.
Mishra reveals interesting lore about Gulzaru00a0-- the special relationship he had with Meena Kumari over their shared love for shayari, and the extent to which Bengal has influenced his identity on account of his association with Roy, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, SD and RD Burman, and ex-wife Rakhi.
But the introduction (as does the book) falls short in making a connection with the reader. There is no explanation of why a certain song from a film in which Gulzar wrote all the songs, is included over another.
Pick it up anyway. If nothing else, this one will look good on your bookshelf,
Meelon Se Din...Gulzar by Yatindra Mishra, published by Rupa and Co is available at leading bookstores for Rs 395
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