Artist, poet Imroz passes away!

Mumbai 22^nd December

Renowned painter and poet Imroz, famous for his enduring relation with Punjabi novelist, poetess Padma Vibhushan Amrita Pritam, breathed his last on Friday at the age of 97 at Kandivali in Mumbai. Struggling with age-related ailments, Imroz had been hospitalized for a brief period before his health took a downturn.

Imroz, born as Inderjeet in 1926 in Punjab, met Amrita Pritam in the 1950s when she was already a prominent figure in Punjabi literature. Their deep bond endured for over four decades until Pritam’s demise in 2005. Initially serving as an illustrator for Pritam, Imroz’s artistic expressions on canvas often mirrored themes of love, loss, and human relationships, echoing Pritam’s poetic narratives.

In 1966, Imroz joined Pritam in her literary endeavors, working as an artist and illustrator for her magazine ‘Naagmani.’ He later changed his name from Inderjeet to Imroz. Following Pritam’s declining health, Imroz ventured into the realm of poetry, producing multiple books dedicated to her. His verses, inspired by their profound relationship, explored themes of love and companionship.

Even after Pritam’s passing, Imroz continued to compose poetry in her memory, publishing four books solely dedicated to her. Notably, one of Pritam’s acclaimed works, ‘Main tainu phir milangi’ in 2004, was attributed to Imroz and gained widespread recognition, including a mention in the 2018 film Manmarziyaan.

Imroz’s demise marks the end of a timeless love story that left an indelible mark on the realms of art and literature.