Muzaffar Ali and the Charm of his 'Farasnama'

As I prepare to meet the reverend director, artist, designer, and writer Muzaffar Ali at his home in the outskirts of Gurgaon, my father is more excited than I am. My generation missed out on the magic of Umrao Jaan in the 1980s and the classic Gaman from 1978—both masterpieces gifted to us by Ali. The piece of art that we have the opportunity to experience live today are his extraordinary paintings, which he will showcase this month at Bikaner House in the exhibition titled Farasnama.

His farmhouse, nestled secretly in a jungle, is home to fifteen dogs and his cherished 14-year-old horse, named Barak. Ali adopted Barak in the same year Barack Obama became president of the USA, hence the name. As we walk along the lush green pathway to his house, we enter his drawing room, where the walls are adorned with his large-scale artworks. The tables, many designed by him, are complemented by his various sculptures and intricate woodwork, adding an antique touch to the space. The space opens up to a lovely courtyard, where sunshine marks puppies engaged in their daily antics. ‘They have their own politics going on,’ Ali remarks.

In his 80th year of life, Ali stands at the intersection of art, design, film, and writing, embracing all dimensions of creativity. ‘Art serves as a bridge across all creative disciplines, both tactile and conceptual dimensions. For me, filmmaking begins with painting; it’s my foundation. I sketch in detail, exploring characters and crafting landscapes. My pen functions as both the frame and the camera, guiding the design of each character. Without sketching, I find it difficult to develop a character, and without a well-designed character, a film cannot come to life. It’s a symbiotic relationship between different forms of art.’

When I ask him what motivates him to practice art at an age where people mostly retire, he simply says, ‘art itself.’ He further explains, ‘Art is timeless. You are working with the timeless energy and you are working to create timelessness in art and in the people who experience art. I think it is a different kind of ball game. It has no kind of time limit.’

Farasnama, meaning ‘the legend of the horse: reflects Ali’s deep passion for these majestic creatures. ‘I have grown up with horses,’ he shares. ‘My great-grandfather was an avid horse lover and even wrote books about them. Horses have always been a significant part of my imagination and inspiration; they are a part of my upbringing.’

The history of horse paintings goes back to many centuries, often symbolising power, beauty and grace across cultures. In ancient civilizations, horses were revered for their utility in war and agriculture. They can be found in the equestrian portraits of Renaissance Europe to the intricate depictions in Mughal art with several countless artists capturing their spirit. In recent centuries, horses have acted a muse for everyone from artists John Collier to M.F. Hussain.

Ali ponders over carrying this legacy of horse paintings and his relationship with them. ‘The relationship between humans and horses is one of the most significant in the world. Without horses, humanity would be vastly different. Great armies have relied on them for movement and conquest, making them essential to our progress. Humans are not only functionally dependent on horses, but they also draw inspiration from their beauty. My horses do not have riders; I prefer them to be free, prancing across the landscape and living on their own terms. Each person has their unique connection with their horse—Hussain’s horse differs from mine in both aesthetics and beauty.’ For Ali, this connection to horses transcends mere aesthetics; it embodies a legacy that resonates deeply within his creative expression, reflecting on how horses have been a companion throughout different eras and continents.

During our conversation, I notice a bookshelf behind Ali, filled with works by Rumi. Sufism significantly influences Ali’s art and creative process. ‘Sufism has a profound presence in India, where anyone who loves humanity and God embodies its spirit,’ he explains. ‘Art rooted in Sufism resonates deeply with me; it’s passionate, unifying, and devotional. Whether expressed through music, dance, or crafts, Sufis share a unique connection with human creativity and effort.’