Mumbai, October 24, 2026: Poet Gulzar participated in a session titled “Ek Shayar Iss Sheher Mein: A Poet’s Love Letter to His City” at the 17th edition of Godrej Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2026, reflecting on his relationship with Mumbai and reading from his new volume, Aamchi Mumbai: My City in Stories and Poems.
The session, held on the festival’s second day, featured Gulzar in conversation with scholar and translator Rakhshanda Jalil and screenwriter-lyricist Kausar Munir, who chaired the discussion. The conversation explored Mumbai’s changing identity, its people, seasons, and the migrant experience, with Gulzar reading from his Urdu work, translated into English by Dr. Jalil.
Insights from Aamchi Mumbai
Gulzar explained his choice of the title “Aamchi Mumbai,” referencing the slogan “Mumbai konachi? Mumbai aamchi” that emerged during debates over Maharashtra’s capital. He described his personal connection to the city, saying, “I have learnt and changed with Mumbai. We have changed Mumbai also. I have tasted the salt in Mumbai’s air.”
He also spoke about how living in Mumbai shapes his writing, noting that his observations of the city are personified and humanised in his poetry and stories.
Translating Gulzar’s Voice
Rakhshanda Jalil, who translated Aamchi Mumbai into English, discussed the challenges of capturing Gulzar’s distinctive imagery and voice. She highlighted the childlike quality and whimsicality in his work, calling the process of translation “very challenging.”
Realism in Portraying Mumbai
Kausar Munir commented on the realism and political consciousness in Gulzar’s writing, stating that the new volume offers a lived reality of Mumbai rather than a romanticised portrayal. She noted that themes such as socialism, environmental concerns, and realism are evident in his work.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a press release provided by the concerned organisation and has been edited for style and clarity with the assistance of AI tools. BusinessFortnight does not verify, endorse, or take responsibility for the claims, figures, or statements made in the original release.
