Poet, filmmaker and author Gulzar has been widely acclaimed for his art, winning an Oscar in 2009 following several honours within India. In a ceremony this week, Gulzar will receive the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. Speaking with Humra Quraishi , Gulzar discussed his inspirations, how he fell in love with literature, why writing is like riding a tiger — and how cinema today resembles fast food:
You've been acclaimed for your creativity across different quarters — what is your current focus?
I want to only — and only — focus on my writing. There are several books in my head and i want to complete them. I've been translating Rabindranath Tagore for children recently. I find writing for children absolutely enriching and fulfilling and i want to concentrate on this. Let me just add here that i think today we are