Gulzar named for Tata Literature Fest's Poet Laureate 2016 award

Mumbai: Lyricist-writer Gulzar will be honoured with this year's Tata Literature Live! Poet Laureate Award, an official said here on Saturday.

The award which includes a citation, plaque and cash prize, will be presented to Gulzar, an Oscar and Grammy Award winner, at the inaugural of the festival on November 17 here, read a statement. 

"I feel very honoured. It came as a lovely surprise when Anil Dharker called me to tell me about the award. It gives you a little more confidence and assurance in your work," said Gulzar, who received an Oscar for his song "Jai ho" in the film 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

"Gulzar's contribution to Indian literature through his heart-rending poetry makes him an obvious choice for the award," said Founder-Director of the festival and journalist Anil Dharker.

As the 7th Tata literature festival coincides with the 400th death anniversary of the legendary William Shakespeare, Gulzar has penned an Urdu ode to him specially for the event.

Gulzar has been honoured five times with the National Film Award in 1972 (Koshish), the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, Sahitya Akademi Award in 2002, and the Padma Bhushan over the years.

Last year, the award was conferred on Vikram Seth.

The Tata Literature Live! opens on November 17 and will go on till November 20. The event is being held at two venues -- the NCPA at Nariman Point and Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.