Conversations with Gulzar Saab were learning experience and fun too, says 'Darlings' director

Jasmeet K. Reen’s much talked about directorial debut Darlings is touted as a dark comedy thriller about a mother and daughter trying to find their place in a male –dominated society.

The lyrics of the title song of Darlings called, 'Pleaj!' are penned by none other than Gulzar Saab who is known for his versatile range but a little-known fact about him is his quirky nature and innate perceptiveness.

Jasmeet says she had a learning experience working with this octogenarian lyricist who has almost close to 150 lyrics to his name. “There was a certain kind of quirk that was required for ‘Pleaj’! and Gulzar Saab almost cracked the song instantaneously. He reads the script, understands the director's vision, narrates the lyrics himself, and is extremely perceptive about whether you like it or not”.

She added, “There was one word which I had later asked Vishal Bhardwaj Sir (who composes the music for Darlings) if he liked the choice of the word or should we look for options? And Vishal sir said even Gulzar saab was saying that he could see that Jasmeet is unsure about it. And Vishal sir continued to tell me that Gulzar Saab already wanted to discuss options with me. Also, conversations with Gulzar Saab were a learning experience and too much fun. He has a director-friendly approach and did not make me feel like a debutant even for an instance”.

Speaking about the music of the film, she continued, “There is another song called 'Lailaaj'. We wanted a song for a perfectly flawed love, a relationship that is broken but for you it is all you want. Gulzar Saab and Vishal Sir gave us this word, Lailaaj. 'Dil Humara laailaaj hai'”