Javed Akhtar praises Gulzar

Noted Bollywood song writer Javed Akhtar today said he has great respect for poet and lyricist Gulzar as he has his own inimitable style of writing abstract poetry, which very few can do.
"When I hear his songs, I don't have to ask who has written it. One comes to know instantly it is Gulzar's song, and it is not an ordinary achievement to write abstract poetry. You can't undermine it. Very few writers can achieve this. As a matter of fact, I have a great respect for his work," he told reporters here.
Akhtar was in the city to participate in the first-ever Bangalore Poetry Festival organizedby 'Atta Galatta'. The festival brought together poets from across the country. Commenting further on Gulzar, Akhtar said there was no need for any comparison between him and Gulzar because they both had different styles.

"There is no need to make any comparison. Different writers have different styles. So, any style can produce good work and bad work also," he said.
Akhtar said he has always been inspired by great poets and lyrists like Shakeel Badayuni, Sahir Ludhianvi, Shailendra and Kaifi Azmi.
"I like all of them, but I like Shailendra and Sahir (Ludhianvi) the most. They are my favorites."

He liked them most because Sahir brought thought to the poetry and Shailendra can be connected to Kabir.
"Sahir was the first writer who brought thought to the film song. There is no big gap between his literary poetry and and his songs. Many of his songs are pure literature," he said.

Asked whether he would love his son Farhan Akhtar to be a renowned Urdu poet like him, Akhtar said he does not expect his children to lead a life of his fantasy.
"One should not expect from other generation to lead their life that is my fantasy. It is their life and decision. I must respect this and every parent should respect that.
"I would give any help to my children - Farhan and Zoya Akhtar - but getting them married is not my responsibility.