Muzaffar Ali Inspires with Profound Insights on Art and Humanity at Panjab University
A Unique Gathering of Art and Culture
Panjab University experienced a remarkable blend of art, culture, and conscience on a pleasant Friday morning as the distinguished filmmaker, poet, painter, and cultural innovator Muzaffar Ali delivered the 4th Prof Urmi Kessar Memorial Lecture at the PU Law Auditorium.
Choosing to speak off-the-cuff, Ali captivated the full auditorium with anecdotes from his life and career, stating, “Dil se har mamla chale the saaf, kehne mein baat badal gayi,” instead of sticking to his prepared remarks.
Art as a Moral Obligation
Renowned for his classic film Umrao Jaan, Ali emphasized that cinema transcends mere entertainment; it embodies a profound responsibility. His talk unfolded as a heartfelt narrative, interwoven with poetry and personal experiences. He articulated that art should serve as a moral compass, promoting dignity, truth, and human connection rather than mere spectacle. He recited, “Justuju jiski thi usko to na paaya humne,is bahaane se magar dekh li duniya humne.” Drawing from his diverse career in cinema, poetry, painting, music, and design, Ali portrayed art as a fluid continuum, asserting, “All arts are connected,” with poetry being the foundational art form that articulates ideas, emotions, and characters.
Exploring Themes of Pain and Belonging
Ali reflected on his influential films such as Gaman, Anjuman, Umrao Jaan, and Jaanisaar, describing them as narratives of migration, separation, and the often-unseen suffering, particularly of women. He remarked, “Gaman is about leaving,” yet the pain of departing from one’s roots lingers. His adaptation of Umrao Jaan, inspired by the novel Umrao Jaan Ada, portrays a young girl transforming her loss into poetry, deeply rooted in Awadh, a region that significantly influenced his artistic sensibility. He acknowledged the impact of poets like Kaifi Azmi, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and mystics such as Rumi and Amir Khusro, whose works continue to shape his artistic vision.
The Influence of Family and Heritage
One poignant moment during the lecture was when Ali spoke about his father and his ancestral village, Kotwara. “This village is my debt,” he expressed. “How do I ever repay it?” His father’s profound humanism, connection to nature, and commitment to rural dignity inspired Ali’s lifelong creative journey. This ethos later manifested in initiatives like Kotwara Design House, which he clarified was “never about fashion, but about restoring dignity to craft and artisans.” He stressed that art should empower rather than patronize.
Art as a Lifelong Companion
Ali shared that his passion for painting began in childhood and has remained a constant in his life. From early exhibitions in Kolkata to showcases in Paris, he considers the canvas his most truthful companion, stating, “A canvas never lies.” His transformative experiences in Aligarh, where he initially pursued science, played a significant role in shaping his artistic journey.
He briefly discussed Jahan-e-Khusro, the international festival he founded, which unites mystic music, dance, and poetry from around the globe. He described it as a space where art becomes conscious, fostering dialogue and unity. In a world marked by fragile peace, he emphasized the urgent need for such artistic environments.
Reflections on Politics and Humanity
During a candid Q&A session, Ali humorously reflected on his political experiences, admitting, “I contested elections four times and found myself sandwiched between voters and leaders—neither truly understood me. So, I chose to stay with my art to convey my thoughts.”
With wit and introspection, he highlighted that understanding the sacred lives of individuals, regardless of their faith, is what ultimately drives humanity. “Anything that creates divisions between human beings,” he stated, “is the very opposite of peace.”
Art as a Reclamation of History
In concluding his lecture, Ali reminded the audience that every narrative an artist shares is a forgotten history reclaimed. Through cinema, poetry, painting, or music, art serves as humanity’s most profound resistance against violence, displacement, and erasure. “Not everyone can heal pain,” he said softly, “but the artist can understand it — and turn it into art.”
By honoring Prof Urmi Kessar’s legacy, Panjab University and the Kessar family celebrated a significant cultural figure while reaffirming the enduring belief that conscious art can pave the way for peace.
The Ongoing Journey of Zooni
Muzaffar Ali’s dedication to art is so profound that he carries a notebook and pencil wherever he goes. His commitment to various art forms—be it painting, cinema, or music—remains unwavering. He is currently working on a book of ghazals, and his long-cherished dream project Zooni, which faced delays due to the insurgency in Kashmir, is now back on track. “My son, Shaad Ali, has found a way to restore and complete it,” he revealed.