Panel Discussion with Muzaffar Ali on his Memoir held at Women’s College
Aligarh : It was an evening to cherish and remember for the students, members of the faculty and art and literature lovers who witnessed and became part of the panel discussion with the celebrated filmmaker and artist and AMU alumnus Muzaffar Ali, on his memoir Zikr: In the Light and Shade of Time (Penguin, 2022), at the Women’s College auditorium, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).
The discussants Prof Mohammad Asim Siddiqui, Chairman, Department of English, whose review of the memoir has already been published, and Ms Ambreen Khan, Art and Culture Curator and Visiting Faculty at Jamia Millia Islamia posed some pertinent questions to Muzaffar Ali, whose replies and conversations were embellished with apt couplets and quotable quotes. He recited couplets as effortlessly as a seasoned poet could.
The maker of films like Gaman (1978), Umrao Jan (1981), Aagaman (1982), Anjuman (1986), etc., discussed his memoir and various shades of his artistic endeavours.
To a question about how he felt inspired and learnt paintings and took great interest in poetry, Muzaffar Ali replied “poetry and painting have a deep bonding”.
“Unless a civilization respects other civilizations, civilizations can neither develop nor survive”, pat came the reply to another question.
To another question he responded philosophically: to exist is to coexist.
Muzaffar Ali enlightened the audience with his profound insights into his filmmaking style, principles, and perspectives through a good number of anecdotes and explored deeper into the artistic expression demanded by his craft.
After the panel discussion, Prof M. Shafey Kidwai (Department of Mass Communication, AMU) began his address with a profound note quoting Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak: “Autobiography is a wound where the blood of history does not dry.”
His words helped the audience to have a good idea of Muzaffar Ali’s autobiography.
The event was marked by the presence of the AMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Gulrez, who presided as the chief guest, alongside Prof. Naima Khatoon, Principal, Women’s College as the guest of honour.
Prof Gulrez in his address highlighted the importance of autobiographies, adding that autobiographies portray the life experiences and achievements of the author which influence and at times guide the younger generation.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Sadaf Fareed, President, University Debating and Literary Club welcomed the guests.
Prof F. S. Sherani, Coordinator, Cultural Education Centre, Prof Vibha Sharma, Prof Huma and Prof Nazia Hasan presented bouquets to the guests.
The Women’s College auditorium was packed to its capacity, and some of the students also probed brilliant queries to Muzaffar Ali.
Several attendees obtained the autographed memoir from the author on the occasion.
Ms Aafia Rizvi, Secretary, University Debating and Literary Club proposed a vote of thanks.