I have no words to describe Ghalib: Gulzar

He visits the narrow lanes of Mirza Ghalib's Haveli in Chandni Chowk every year to mark his birth anniversary and legendary lyricist Gulzar says the hussle and bussle of the street takes him close to the famous Urdu poet.

Dresssed in his trademark white Pyjama and Kurta, Gulzar said he did not have words to describe the greatness of Ghalib.

"I visit here every year and I love the place. The best part is that it has not changed a bit. Every year, I have to make my way anyhow among the devotees to enter his (Ghalib's) Haveli.

"It gives me a warm feeling and amidst his own people I feel myself close to Ghalib. He was a great poet and I have no words to describe a poet of such stature," said Gulzar on the sidelines of the 214th birth anniversary celebration of the Urdu poet.

The highlight of this year's celebration is the remarkable transformation of Ghalib's Haveli, with a new permament exhibition by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) that showcases the original robes and works by Ghalib during his important phase of his life.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit last evening. Ironically, the posters celebrating the life and work of the great Urdu poet were in English and Hindi, a fact pointed out by the locals.

A play 'Ghalib In New Delhi' is also being staged today. The comic play revolves around the great poet, who decides to visit his beloved Delhi to witness his posthumous fame, only to suffer an identity crisis.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

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