MUMBAI: Marking the 77th birthday of noted lyricist Gulzar, Radio Mantra is all set to celebrate the day with a special programming initiative titled ‘Gulzaarish’.

On 18 August, the station will play the legendary poet’s work spanning over five decades. 77 special songs penned by ‘Sampooran Singh Kalra’ better known by his popular pen name ‘Gulzar’ will be played along with some interesting trivia and poetry. All radio shows will encompass the initiative into their segments.

RJ Rehan will read out his illustrious literature work like ‘Raavi Par’ to the listeners in his late evening show ‘Love Aaj Kal’ while the show ‘Action Replay’ will focus on his remarkable contribution to the Indian Cinema as a lyricist and writer. ‘Ticket To Bollywood’ will portray his work in the recent times and how his poetry has evolved to fit in the modern times and the evening drive time show ‘Route no. 919’ will feature top 30 super hit songs of the writer.

Radio Mantra national programming head Kanwar Sameer said, “Gulzaar Sahab is not only immensely talented but also extremely philosophical which reflects in his poetry.  He can so easily get into your heart with his words of wisdom and never get out of your mind. ‘Gulzaarish’ is our way of extending the gratitude to this legendary all-in-one wizardly poet Gulzar.”

Radio Mantra is a radio initiative by the Dainik Jagran group and spans across eight cities including Agra, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Hisar, Karnal, Jalandhar and Ranchi.