Inderjeet Singh (26 January 1926 – 22 December 2023), also known as Imroz, was an Indian visual artist and poet. He was the partner of the poet, novelist, and writer Amrita Pritam, and they lived together until Amrita's death in 2005. He ran a monthly literary magazine Nagmani along with Amrita for 33 years.[1]
Imroz | |
|---|---|
| Born | Inderjeet Singh 26 January 1926 Lyallpur, Punjab Province, British India |
| Died | 22 December 2023 (aged 97) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Occupation | Artist (painter, illustrator, poet, and editor) |
| Period | 1960s–2000s |
| Notable works | Jashan Jaari Hai, Manchaaha Hi Rishta and Rang Tere Mere |
| Partner | Amrita Pritam |
Biography
editInderjeet Singh was born in 1926 at Chak number 36 in Lyallpur of undivided Punjab.[2]
Birth as Imroz
editHis journey from Inderjeet to Imroz was started when Amrita Pritam came into his life as an independent women. He loved her so much that Amrita wrote many couplets dedicated to him. Although the love story of Amrita and Sahir Ludhianvi was famous at that time. Both were open about their love towards each other. Sahir was a famous poet and lyricist in Hindi Cinema. He never lived with her. He was too busy in his professional and personal life. A new women singer Sudha Malhotra came into Sahir's life and Amrita was in disunion. At the same time, Inderjeet was working as an illustrator for Amrita. She found a solace and companionship in Inderjeet Imroz. She lived with Imroz her last 40 years until she died in October 2005. She became the subject of his paintings. His love for Amrita soon became an admiration for the people. A book titled Amrita Imroz: A Love Story written by Uma Trilok was solely based on Imroz and Amrita's love story.[3][4]
Amrita's last literary work came in 2004 titled "Main tainu pher milangi" (I Will Meet You Again) was for Imroz. She wrote and admired how Imroz loved her in the same way as she loved Sahir Ludhianvi. With a strong belief that she will be back, in a nazm for Imroz in 2004, she wrote, “Main tainu pher milangi, Kithe… kis tarah… pata nahi… par tainu zaroor milangi…(I will meet you again… Where.. How?… I know not.. but I will meet you again).”[2]
After Amrita started getting sick, Imroz started composing poems, and he continued to do so even after she died. Several of his poems were dedicated to her.[5] He wrote poems for Amrita in all four of his poetry volumes. These include "Jashan Jaari Hai", "Manchaaha Hi Rishta", and "Rang Tere Mere", for which he received recognition. "Kabhi kabhi khoobsurat khyaal, khoobsurat badan bhi akhtiyaar kar lete hain," Imroz wrote in a nazm titled "Amrita", beautiful bodies can sometimes be shaped by beautiful thoughts.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Amrita Pritam's partner Imroz passes away at 97". Hindustan Times. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ a b c "'Main tainu pher milangi': Artist Imroz passes away at 97, to meet his 'immortal Amrita' again". The Indian Express. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ Web, Statesman (22 December 2023). "Imroz, famed partner of Amrita Pritam, passes away at 97". The Statesman. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
- ^ Dutt, Nirupama (5 November 2006). "A love legend of our times". Tribune India.
- ^ "Renowned Poet And Artist Imroz Dies At 97". NDTV.com. Retrieved 23 December 2023.