[tps_footer]Lyricist, filmmaker and now the Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner Gulzar, inaugurated the Epic On Rock Shelters Painting Exhibition by artist Ashok Bhowmick in Mumbai.

Epic on Rock Shelters celebrates four decades of the creative journey of Ashok Bhowmick. Ashok began his artistic journey with his first show in 1974. Veteran poet and film lyricist Gulzar has been chosen for the coveted Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2013. It is the highest honour in Indian cinema and is given to a person who has significantly contributed to cinema.

He recently stated: “I am happy to receive this award and I am thankful to everyone, people and the jury members. An award is a respect which says your work is loved and you are on the right path.”

Songstress Asha Bhonsle thinks Gulzar deserves this award more than anyone else. “When I see how far he has come in his life, I feel happy. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award honours a very deserving artiste this year. As I speak to you, I remember all the beautiful songs Gulzar Bhai has written for me – Mera kuch samaan in Ijaazat, Yeh Saaye hain in Sitara, Phir Se Aiyo Badra Bidesi in Namkeen and all those fabulous songs in the non-film album Dil Padosi Hai. Its indeed a big news and a great honour.” she added.

Gulzar‘s real name is Sampooran Singh Kalra. He took the pen name Gulzar Deenvi only after becoming an author. Before becoming a poet, was a car mechanic.

While popularly known for being a lyricist, he is also an acclaimed film director and dialogue writer too. He has worked with every top Bollywood music director including but not limited to Rahul Dev Burman, A.R. Rehman, Vishal Bhardwaj, Anu Malik and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

Gulzar has won twenty Filmfare Awards, five National Film Awards, Academy Award as well as a Grammy Award.[/tps_footer]