New Delhi, November 12, 2016: Noted lyricist-writer Gulzar has been chosen for one of the most popular literary festivals, Tata Literature Live, this year. During the 7th edition of the Mumbai LitFest, Poet Laureate award will be presented to him on November 17.

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The 82-year-old poet said, "It is a great honour to be receiving this award; it gives you a little more confidence and assurance in your work."

He would also be reading a few of his works at the festival.

In 1972, he won his first National Film Award for "Koshish", after which he won numerous accolades and trophies which also includes an Academy award for 'Jai Ho!' from 'Slumdog Millionaire'.

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He was also awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Padma Bhushan, the Sahitya Akademi Award, five National Film Awards and 20 Filmfare Awards.

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

According to PTI, "The honour, which was awarded to internationally acclaimed poet Vikram Seth last year, carries a citation plaque and a cash prize."
Authors from all around the world will participate in the 4-day that is begin on November 17 and take place at two venues Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai and National Centre for the Performing Arts.

The festival also coincides with the 400th death anniversary of William Shakespeare, and Gulzar is scheduled to present a tribute to the bard at the event.

Gulzar's ode to Shakespeare that he has specially penned for the festival reads, "Raise the curtain, Shakespeare/Your characters wait in the wings….Four-hundred years later/With the same conflicts:/To be or not be /Aware that the world's a stage/And we are merely actors…" (translated from Urdu Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri)
That he has specially penned for the festival.

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"Gulzarsaab is one of India's best-loved poets and lyricists. The power of his poetic expression has redefined words and has touched the hearts of one and all. It is truly an honour for us to confer him with the Award. We're looking forward to hearing him speak at the festival," Harish Bhat, from Tata Sons, said.

by NewsGram team with PTI inputs