Review Kirdar Serial Directed by Gulzar

Review Kirdar Serial Directed by Gulzar 

Gulzar’s Kirdaar (1993–94) was a landmark Doordarshan anthology series that brought together powerful short stories from Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali literature, with Om Puri playing different roles in each episode. 

It is remembered for its literary depth, stellar cast, and Jagjit Singh’s soulful title track.

Kirdaar (also spelled Kirdar) is a critically acclaimed Indian television anthology series directed by the legendary poet, lyricist, and filmmaker Gulzar. 

It aired on DD National (Doordarshan) from 31 October 1993 to 23 January 1994. 

The series consists of 13 episodes (each around 22–24 minutes), each a self-contained story adapted from short stories by renowned writers in Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali literature.

Basic Details

Title: Kirdaar

Director: Gulzar

Writers: Gulzar, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Samaresh Basu, Malti Joshi, Rajinder Singh Bedi, Prafulla Roy, Manoj Basu

Music: Jagjit Singh (title track sung by him)

Lead Actor: Om Puri (appeared in every episode as different characters)

Other Cast: Surekha Sikri, Irrfan Khan, Neena Gupta, Reema Lagoo, Nadira, Mita Vashisht, Bhupendra, Ananya Khare, Shahib Abbas

Channel: DD National

Run: 31 October 1993 – 23 January 1994

Episodes: 13 (each 22–24 minutes) 

Concept and Style Anthology format: 

Every episode features a different story and cast, exploring human emotions, relationships, society, partition, love, family, and personal struggles with depth and nuance.

Om Puri's central role: 

Veteran actor Om Puri starred in every episode, playing the lead or a significant character (different roles each time). 

This gave the series a unique connecting thread. 

Literary roots: 

Stories by writers like Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Malti Joshi, Samaresh Basu, Gulzar himself, Rajinder Singh Bedi, Manoj Basu, and Prafulla Roy.

Music: The iconic title song "Kirdaar" (with lyrics by Gulzar) was composed and sung by Jagjit Singh. It remains memorable for its soulful, poetic quality.

Episodes & Story Sources 

Here are some key episodes with brief descriptions (based on available sources):

Alaan (by Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi) — A man recalls his brief stay at his mother's home and his childhood love.

Hisaab Kitaab (by Gulzar) — A frugal man who runs a billboard painting business and makes his own son work to avoid extra costs.

Haath Peele Kar Do (by Gulzar) — A story involving family worries, a daughter's mention of a boy, and themes of love and destiny. Featured Irrfan Khan.

Khuda Hafiz (by Samaresh Basu) — Two friends (one Hindu, one Muslim) take refuge during riots; explores partition and humanity.

Bel Nimbu (by Manoj Basu)

Culture (by Malti Joshi) — Examines society's ideas of refinement and progress vs. harsh realities.

Sunset Boulevard (Parts 1 & 2, by Gulzar) — About an elderly actress living in her past glory.

Mann Dhuan Dhuan (by Malti Joshi)

Mukhbir — An informant (porter) struggles after his identity is exposed.

Rehman ki Jutti (by Rajinder Singh Bedi)

Shikod (by Prafulla Roy)

Baba Noor (by Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi)

Many episodes touch on sensitive themes like Partition, communal harmony, human greed, love, and societal hypocrisy.

Interesting Facts -

Gulzar believed short films were the purest form of cinema, so he adapted literary short stories into television episodes. 

Om Puri’s versatility was showcased brilliantly — he played a new character in every episode, ranging from ordinary men to complex figures.

The series featured early appearances of Irrfan Khan, who later became internationally acclaimed.

Actress Nadira made her television debut in this serial.

Jagjit Singh’s title track “Kirdaar” gave the show a hauntingly poetic identity.

Stories came from Pakistan (Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi), Bengal (Samaresh Basu), and Hindi writers (Malti Joshi, Rajinder Singh Bedi), making it a truly crosscultural literary anthology.

Gulzar’s episodes like Sunset Boulevard reflected his own poetic style, blending cinema and literature seamlessly.

The show aired during Doordarshan’s prime time slot, reflecting Gulzar’s stature in Indian culture.

Each episode was selfcontained, making it easy for viewers to watch without following a continuous storyline.

Today, Kirdaar is remembered as one of the finest literary adaptations on Indian television, a rare blend of poetry, prose, and performance.

Kirdaar remains a cult classic for lovers of literature and Gulzar’s artistry. It showcased how television could be used to bring serious, thought provoking stories to a mass audience, unlike the soap operas that dominated later years.

Kirdaar stands as a fine example of Indian television's literary and artistic peak blending Gulzar's poetic sensibility with strong performances and powerful short stories. 

If you're a fan of thoughtful, non-commercial content, it's highly recommended to watch.

Star Rating - 4.5/5 

A must serial for everyone  

Kirdaar Full Series All Episodes - Directed By Gulzar - Om Puri, Irfan Khan and Various

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