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Mumbai: Renowned painter and poet best known for his long-lasting relationship with the Punjabi poetess Amrita Pritam, Imroz passed away at his Mumbai residence on Friday. He was 97 and was suffering from age-related issues.
He had been hospitalised for a few days when his condition deteriorated. Amiya Kunwar, a poetess, confirmed the news of Imroz’s demise. She said that Imroz was suffering from age-related issues and was hospitalised.
Even though he was taking food through a pipe, he never for a day forgot Amrita, his true love. However, he was brought back home a few days ago and passed away on Friday, his relatives announced.
Born in 1926 in Punjab, Imroz initially worked as an illustrator for Amrita Pritam.
Born on January 26, 1926, at Chak number 36 in Lyallpur of undivided Punjab, Imroz, originally named Inderjeet, was an artist. After Amrita started feeling unwell, Imroz delved into the world of poetry. He wrote multiple books dedicated to her.
In 1966, when Amrita started publishing her magazine ‘Naagmani’, he joined her and worked as an artist/illustrator. That is when he changed his name from Inderjeet to Imroz. One of Amrita’s most celebrated works, ‘Main tainu phir milangi,’ in 2004, is said to have been dedicated to Imroz.
The piece of art became popular among the youth after Taapsee Pannu’s character quoted it in the 2018 film Manmarziyaan. In literary circles, many credit Imroz for Amrita’s success as he stood behind her like a rock. Even after her demise in 2005, she never died for Imroz.
