Uma Trilok’s new book is a compelling tale of the love Amrita Pritam and Imroz shared

As someone who teaches, sings, and writes poetry, Trilok says it’s her love for writing that led her to Amrita.

Written by: Parul

3 min readUpdated: Jan 1, 2020 01:36 PM IST

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Uma Trilok and Deepti Naval at the book launch.

A biography of love is how Mohali-based writer Uma Trilok describes her third book on Amrita Pritam, Amrita Lives On. Her first book, Amrita Imroz: A Love Story (2006) was the unconventional love story of Amrita and Imroz. “My new book is a tribute to Amrita in her birth centenary year, a tribute to love, a biography of love and how their love lives on,” says Trilok, whose book was released recently by actor Deepti Naval, who portrayed Amrita on stage in the play Ek Mulaqat. As someone who teaches, sings, and writes poetry, Trilok says it’s her love for writing that led her to Amrita.

With her second book of poetry Khyalon Ke Saaye, Trilok had gone to meet Amrita in 1995. They soon became friends. “I remember one day Dina Nath Malhotra of Hind Pocket Books told Amrita that she should write a book on Imroz and she said, ‘I won’t be able to do it, but this girl would do it’. That comment was implanted in my mind and then began the process of me connecting with the life, love and work of Amrita through words, as I saw her and Imroz up, close and personal,” says Trilok.

The book ‘Amrita Lives On’

The author recounts the “spiritual angle of love” in the book. She saw Imroz taking care of Amrita in every little way. “As Amrita sent messages through the wind to Sahir, Imroz loved with a selflessness and surrender, and it’s this love of a man that compels me to write about them. There is no fiction here, just the truth,” says Trilok.

Though she had many critics, Imroz held her hand through it all, unconditionally. “She was a thirsty soul, a free mind and spirit, the poet of the millennium, and she emerged victorious in her life and work. Imroz and she never sought approval from society. I have asked her so many questions in this book, but how will she answer. There’s so much we can all learn from her work and life — be truthful to yourself, never be afraid of what you want to do, voice your opinions, and never let yourself be ill-treated.”

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More

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