Jiya Jale: The Stories of Songs

You must have heard the songs but you will actually start listening to the same songs differently and start understanding it after or while you are reading this book. A must read for fans of words and the man - Gulzar!

A mildly interesting book on Gulzar's songs and his relationships with composers, singers and film directors involved in the making of those songs. Gulzar is perhaps the greatest lyricist in the history of Hindi cinema. His songs from the late 60s to the mid-90s are marked by a remarkable contemplative depth and a moving portrait of the complexities of human relationships. There is probably no lover of Hindi film songs who isn't deeply moved by the lines, "haath se chhu ke isse rishton ka ilzaam na do.. sirf ehsaas hai, rooh se mehsoos karo, pyaar ko pyaar hi rehne do, koi naam na do..", or "do naina, ek kahaani.. thoda sa baadal, thoda sa paani".The book, however, keeps away from most of these masterpieces, focusing largely on Gulzar's work in the first two decades of the 21st century, which is far lesser in its depth and beauty, perhaps largely because of the changing nature of the films for which it is written. The reason for this choice of songs in the book could be that an earlier book - In Conversation with a Poet - covers the more popular songs.The insights that emerge into the songs and the process of song-writing, through the interviews, are also not particularly illuminating. The book remains readable if one loves the poet and the tradition of Hindi film songs, but never draws one in with any intensity.

A conversation that writer like him deserves. The aim of the book was to extract stories behind the songs that Gulzaar sahab has penned down in his long continuing career, and boy oh boy, it totally fulfils its objective and presents you on a platter the whole deal that goes behind writing songs. The limitations of film songs and playing with the language came highlighted in the conversation.It is a very fast read and an interesting one.

It is journey into to the nostalgic world. To listen to the stories behind making od the songs which turned out to be classics a joyful experience. Who knew that "Dil dhoondta hai" number was originally "Jee dhoondta hai" and how it got converted?Apart from these anecdotes, I came to realise the value of the lyrics of the peppy numbers like "Chhaiyan chhaiyan". I had ignored the lyrics earlier.Surely to be read by gourmets.

Though the Author has the right to select the songs she wish to discuss aboutBut the problem here is that, almost a great part of the book reviews A R Rehman Songs with Gulzar saab.Ignoring a lot of great songs which could have been discussed.Lakadi Ki KathiEk Hi Khwab from KinaraTum aagaye ho from AandhiAnd many moreFocusing on just one composer and all movies doen with him is a gross injustice to other creative works of Gulzar sahab.

The book was delivered in a very good package. A very good read but it leaves you wanting for more.

Never thought about the deep meanings behind the peppy numbers like chaiyyan chaiyyan or bidi jalai le. If you love Gulzar ji's work you must read this. You would know about the persons he has worked with and the stories behind making of the songs he has written.

The book not just has English translations of some of the best Gulzar’s songs, but his own commentary too. He explains in depth the process of writing, anecdotes of numerous music recording sessions and importance of vocabulary. Must read!!!

Well written book with good translation..Lots of information about Bollywood and Gulzar Ji..

Simply put... A best Buy. If you are interested in your heritage or maybe just curious about another's then this is a must read.

The book is conversational. You get to see through the eyes of the poet and get new perspectives into your favorite songs.

The book does exactly what it sets out to do and some more. It's an easy choice if you like Gulzar or know his works.

Whether you like Urdu/Hindi poetry (Ghazals) or indulge in Indian cinema, this book is one of those rare treats where a master shares his creativity and explains the process for each narration.Gulzar has worked with so many musicians, composers, singers in Hindi/Urdu speaking countries. He adapted his process and creativity to get the best with his collaborators.We get to peek behind his temperament and emotions behind few Ghazals and songs. A must have collectors item for poetry lovers.