'At least one man has recognised my works'
Says writer, lyricist, film-maker and poet GULZAR after theatre director SALIM ARIF creatively portrays his works for his new play Atthanniyaan
Life on the streets exists right out there, but we take many things for granted. That is how the common man perceives life out there. I have lived in Mumbai for more than five decades, and call myself a Maharashtrian. I have walked along the lanes of Byculla to Agripara. I have known these places so well. I have always tried to find the life behind these places. Only a story writer can sometimes identify these aspects.
After discussing the theme of the play with Salim Arif, I wrote this story around the common man, how life was affected after 26/11. That day added a new dimension to Mumbai. My collection of stories and poems taken in Atthanniyaan consists of my observation of this over the years - some in my subconscious and some in my present state of being.
Arif has told me that design students are working on Atthanniyaan, and I will see the works soon. I am glad that Arif in his plays has creatively portrayed my works with great insight. At least one man has recognized my works, others will follow suit (ends with a laugh)
As told to Sujata Chakrabarti
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Works of art
For his new play Atthanniyaan, veteran theatre director Salim Arif came up with a unique plan - to weave together fine art, design and performance art. Arun Kumar, a graduate of NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) who also worked as Arif's apprentice, has designed a set of posters that visually interpret poems and stories penned by Gulzar.
Arif said this will change the way plays are packaged in Mumbai. "I can't comment on the budget, but play-makers in the city do not make any effort on their posters - that are supposed to present the quintessential essence of what the production is about or value the information quotient that posters can hold," he said.
The play dwells on the works of Gulzar and the Oscar winner's perspective about life in Mumbai. Film-maker Vishal Bharadwaj has composed music for it.
Arif refuses to put a price on the exclusive posters. He said, "These are priceless works of art for me. I would love to limit them to my personal collection as souvenirs."
However, if they work well with the audience, he might be tempted to sell their prints. He added, "If they become a hit, I will love to put them in the market."
Sujata Chakrabarti