At 92, Gulzar remains one of Indian cinema's most distinctive poets and lyricists. Decades may have passed, generations may have changed and musical tastes may have evolved, but his writing continues to connect with young audiences.

What makes Gulzar remarkable is not simply his longevity. It is his ability to capture emotions that remain timeless—love, loneliness, hope, rebellion, nostalgia and the desire for change—and express them in language that feels both poetic and personal.

Even today, he continues to write romantic and contemporary songs. For the upcoming film "O Romeo", he has reportedly penned songs such as "Aashiqon Ki Colony" and "Ishq Ka Fever" at Vishal Bhardwaj's request.

Gulzar's Poetry Has Never Been About Age

The strongest quality of Gulzar's writing is that emotion always comes before age.

His poetry from the 1970s captured the concerns of the young people of that era, while his newer work continues to address emotions and issues relevant to today's generation.

In the 1977 film "Gharonda", his writing included the memorable idea of loneliness in a crowded city. Decades later, his newer writing continues to explore the relationship between the individual, society and the country.

The circumstances may change, but the emotions remain surprisingly familiar.

From Loneliness to the Struggles of Young India

Gulzar's writing has often reflected the social realities surrounding him.

In songs from films such as "Gharonda", loneliness was closely connected to the struggle for employment, shelter and stability. During the 1970s, young people moving from smaller towns and villages to cities often faced uncertainty and disappointment.

His words captured that feeling without turning the song into a straightforward political statement.

That is one reason his writing continues to feel relevant. He doesn't simply describe an era; he captures the emotions created by that era.

His Poetry Also Speaks About the Future

Gulzar's contemporary writing continues to look beyond romance and nostalgia.

Some of his newer work has focused on children, education and the future of the country. The underlying message is simple: children should have the opportunity to study, play, dream and explore, while the responsibility of protecting the world remains with the adults.

This kind of writing can resonate strongly with younger audiences because it speaks about their future rather than simply remembering the past.

A Career Filled With Memorable Films

After establishing himself as a lyricist, Gulzar contributed songs and poetry to numerous acclaimed films.

His body of work includes films such as "Mere Apne", "Parichay", "Koshish", "Achanak", "Khushboo", "Aandhi", "Kinara", "Angoor", "Namkeen", "Meera", "Ijaazat", "Lekin", "Libaas", "Maachis", "Hu Tu Tu" and "Omkara".

Across these films, his writing has moved effortlessly between romance, social commentary, philosophy and everyday life.

His Language Is Both Desi and Modern

One of Gulzar's greatest strengths is his unusual vocabulary.

His lyrics can sound deeply rooted in Indian culture while simultaneously feeling contemporary. He can use everyday expressions alongside sophisticated imagery without making the writing feel artificial.

Songs such as "Bidi Jalaile" demonstrate how effectively he can use colloquial language to create something memorable and culturally specific.

At the other end of the spectrum, his romantic songs often use delicate metaphors and unusual combinations of words.

Gulzar Continues to Evolve With Every Generation

His recent work proves that Gulzar has never been interested in simply repeating the style that made him famous.

Whether writing for "Sam Bahadur" in 2023, "Gustakh Ishq" in 2025 or "O Romeo" in 2026, he continues to experiment with contemporary themes, language and musical sensibilities.

That may be the real reason his poetry continues to appeal to Gen Z.

Gulzar does not try to write like a young poet. Instead, he continues to observe the world with curiosity and translate changing emotions into words.

At 92, his pen still feels remarkably young—not because his age has disappeared, but because the emotions he writes about never grow old.