'Bosky rejected some of my lyrics!'

It must be a proud moment for Gulzar.

His daughter Meghna debuts with her directorial venture on February 1.

Maker of such films as Mausam, Ijaazat, Maachis and Hu Tu Tu, Gulzar evinces equal parts of indignation and respect that his daughter rejected some of his lyrics.

The poet-filmmaker also quickly dispels notions that he is Meghna's guide, reserving the credit to filmmaker Saeed Mirza.

Gulzar, on his daughter, who is to the director born:

"Until recently, I had only seen bits and pieces of Meghna's work. She didn't want me to see her film until it was completely ready.

She didn't mind sharing and discussing scenes with members of her unit. But with me she was very strict: "I don't want to create any wrong impressions about the film in your mind," she said.

I can understand her feelings. What if I ended up giving suggestions as a senior filmmaker or offering advice as a concerned father? She wanted none of that.

I don't think she's weighed down by people's expectations. She is influenced by me because she has been following my films keenly. Some might presume she is a product of my cinematic sensitivities. They are mistaken.

People forget she has also been influenced by the cinema of Saeed Mirza. He is her guru, not me. Saeed gave Meghna a sense of direction. She's absorbed her motivations as a filmmaker from Saeed. She was his chief assistant during Naseem. That is not an honorary position.

It means Meghna had to go through the entire process of filmmaking. She learnt the ropes of scriptwriting during Naseem. At times, she had to write, even edit scenes for Saeed Mirza. Those experiences matured Meghna as a filmmaker. I think she will make Saeed Mirza proud with Filhaal.

What I feel as a father about her achievement is different from what her Ustad would feel about it. I have only been involved with Filhaal as a lyricist. Otherwise I am just like any father waiting for his child's examination results to come out.

Do you know Bosky rejected some of my lyrics? I respect her for it. It feels good to know that she knows her mind. I have always welcomed constructive criticism from people I work with. Constructive criticism is important for any creative person.

Even Vishal Bhardwaj questioned some of my lyrics for his first feature film Barf. He would say, "No, I have another image in mind. I want it this way."

"Tabu is, of course, Tabu. Lekin mujhe Sushmita bahut achchi lagi. [I liked Sushmita very much.] She has a very definite personality that comes across beautifully on screen. She's not just a good-looking girl in a superficial photogenic way. She has a beautiful personality -- sharp, spontaneous and sensitive. That's a rare combination of attributes in one artiste."

Gulzar spoke to Subhash K Jha