It's always humbling to be appreciated, says Gulzar
Lyricist Gulzar is to be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
Awards ki khabar sun kar kaisa lag raha? Yehi janana chahti hai aap? (You want to know how I am feeling after receiving the news of being awarded, right?)" Gulzar sahab quizzed, as he came on the phone when contacted by Mail Today .
Eminent poet and film- maker Gulzar, who usually shies away from giving interviews to media, has constantly been answering phone calls, replying to congratulatory messages pouring in from around the globe.
"Bahut bahut achcha lag raha hai (I am feeling very, very happy). I was not really expecting it, the announcement came as a pleasant surprise," said Gulzar.
"I was busy with other things, and was receiving congratulatory messages from a few friends since Friday evening. However, when I received an official intimation, it was nice to believe it," said Gulzar in his resonating voice.
Known to be reluctant to attend award ceremonies and wary of receiving a trophy in person, Gulzar even missed out on attending the coveted 81st Academy Awards ceremony in February 24, 2009 when he won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Jai Ho along with A. R. Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire.
I did not have a black coat to wear to the Oscars. It was a mandatory dress code, that was the reason I gave it a miss," said Gulzar, displaying his trademark subtle humour.
"Safed kurte bahut saare hai ( I have many white kurtas). Kurtas are allowed for this award ( Dadasaheb Phalke) ceremony. I shall surely be attending this award ceremony in one of my white kurtas," added Gulzar, who is always seen in a crisp white cotton kurta - pyjama.
Seventy- nine- year- old multitalented Gulzar has been conferred with several National Film awards, but he still gets "excited about being honoured."
"It's always humbling and thrilling to be appreciated," Gulzar said.