Inderjeet, also known as Imroz, an artist and poet, shared words that encapsulated a timeless reality about Amrita Pritam, the cherished poetess of undivided Punjab. He didn’t perceive her as departed; in his eyes, she remained a perpetual presence among us. Their enduring love story eventually found closure as Imroz, at the age of 97, bid his final farewell on a Friday at his Mumbai residence in Kandivali, succumbing to age-related ailments.
Amiya Kunwar, a close friend and poetess, confirmed Imroz’s passing. She revealed his health struggles, noting how, despite his physical challenges, his devotion to Amrita remained unwavering. Imroz rejected any notion of Amrita being a past memory, always affirming, “Amrita is here, she exists.”
Even though Imroz departed this world, he’s merely united with Amrita in the heavens, and their love story, far from fading, continues as a beautiful legacy for the world. Imroz, born on January 26, 1926, originally named Inderjeet, was an artist from Lyallpur, undivided Punjab. His association with Amrita began in 1966 when he contributed as an artist/illustrator to her magazine ‘Naagmani’, coinciding with his name change from Inderjeet to Imroz. As Amrita’s health declined, Imroz turned to poetry, dedicating numerous verses to her even after her passing.
He authored four poetry collections, each brimming with tributes to Amrita. Among these works were ‘Jashan Jaari Hai’, which earned him an award, ‘Manchaaha Hi Rishta’, and ‘Rang Tere Mere’. In his poem ‘Amrita’, Imroz beautifully expressed:Kabhi kabhi khoobsurat khyaal, khoobsurat badan bhi akhtiyaar kar lete hain…
(Sometimes, beautiful thoughts also take shape of beautiful bodies).
Imroz’s unwavering support for Amrita’s literary endeavors is widely acknowledged in literary circles. Even after her demise in 2005, she lived on vividly in Imroz’s heart. Amrita’s final poetic offering in 2004, ‘Main tainu pher milangi’ (I Will Meet You Again), was dedicated to Imroz, whom she met in 1957—a man who loved her akin to her affection for Sahir Ludhianvi.
Their decision not to marry led to a 40-year-long relationship, leaving behind an unforgettable love story. In 2022, a film, ‘Imroz: A Walk Down the Memory Lane’, depicted their profound love. Imroz shared his life with Alka, Amrita’s daughter-in-law, continuing to cherish her sketches and photographs.
Despite his declining health, he commemorated Amrita’s birthday annually, surrounded by her admirers, preserving her memory through cakes, flowers, and moments of reflection.
Dr. Surjit Patar honored Imroz for loving Amrita unconditionally, transcending judgment and accepting her despite her relationship with Ludhianvi. He recognized Imroz’s reverence for Amrita and her literary legacy.Imroz’s transition from an artist to a poet was marked by his profound affection for Amrita, a love that persisted beyond life and death.
His words encapsulated the essence of their enduring bond: Tere saath jiye wo sab khoobsurat din raat, ab apne aap meri kavitaayein bante jaa rahe hein…
(Those beautiful days and nights I lived with you, are now becoming my poems).