Artist Imroz, aged 97, passes away to reunite with his ‘immortal Amrita’ | ActionPunjab

Artist-poet Imroz passes away: Renowned artist-poet Imroz, known for his everlasting bond with poetess Amrita Pritam, passed away at 97 in Mumbai. Despite Amrita’s demise in 2005, Imroz kept her memory alive, viewing her as a continued presence in his life.

“Wo yahin hai, ghar par hi hai, kahin nahi gayi (She is here only, she is home, she has not gone anywhere).” Here, within these walls, she remains, never departed. These timeless sentiments belonged to Inderjeet, known as Imroz, an artist and poet who preserved the presence of undivided Punjab’s cherished poetess, Amrita Pritam, even beyond her passing. Refusing to refer to Amrita in the past tense, he steadfastly maintained her continued existence.

Imroz’s enduring love story with Amrita came to a close as he passed away at his Kandivali residence, grappling with age-related health concerns. Amiya Kunwar, a close acquaintance, affirmed Imroz’s unwavering devotion to Amrita, emphasising that he always believed she remained with him.

Born in 1926 in undivided Punjab, Imroz initially named Inderjeet, was an artist who joined Amrita in publishing ‘Naagmani’ and later changed his name to Imroz. He ventured into poetry post Amrita’s illness, penning numerous works dedicated to her, such as ‘Jashan Jaari Hai’ and ‘Manchaaha Hi Rishta.’

Imroz’s devotion and support for Amrita were acknowledged widely, influencing her literary success. Amrita’s last poem, ‘Main tainu pher milangi,’ reflected her anticipation to reunite with Imroz, underscoring their timeless connection.

Their remarkable 40-year relationship, devoid of marriage, left a lasting legacy. Even in ill health, Imroz cherished Amrita’s memory, surrounded by her sketches and photographs, immortalizing their love story through poetry and art. Padma Shri Dr. Surjit Patar praised Imroz’s unconditional love and respect for Amrita, elevating their tale beyond societal judgments.

As an artist turned poet, Imroz’s words echoed his unwavering affection for Amrita, transcending the boundaries of life and death, immortalizing their love through verses. “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)”, wrote Imroz, as the artist turned poet, smitten by Amrita, and stayed in love – beyond life and death.