Amid the rustling of leaves and the occasional roar of the planes flying over Jamali Kamali Mosque at the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, filmmaker Muzaffar Ali and architect-designer Meera Ali relived old memories as they visited the mosque after 15 years. On World Heritage Day, the couple shares how they explored monuments together when they first met, their favourite haunts, and shooting films across Delhi monuments.
‘Delhi is Delhi because of these monuments’
Talking about their connection with the Jamali Kamali Mosque, Muzaffar says, “The archaeological park is a very significant place in a significant location of Mehrauli. The area is blessed with the mehr of Auliya, Hazrat Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. There is a lot of beauty in the monuments that are still there in this area. I have shot many films in this space, like Rumi In The Land Of Khusrau, and we had organised Jahan-e-Khusrau World Sufi Music Festival in 2007. Coming here brings back all those memories. I believe Delhi is the centre of the soul, not a centre of power” Meera adds, “This place has a lot of nostalgic value to us – having done many creative ventures here, coming here refreshed all those memories.”
Meera, who has been brought up in Delhi, says that since childhood she found monument visits interesting. She tells us that Delhi’s monuments were the couple’s favourite spots to meet. “When we met, we used to explore monuments together. We used to meet early morning, around 5am, take a walk, chat about our life, sketch sometimes, talk about things that inspired us – that became our way of life for many many months. We lived in Nizamuddin back then, so Safdarjung Tomb and Humayun’s Tomb became our favourite spots. So, every time we thought of shooting a film, we just knew which heritage site to go to.”
Adding, she says, “Delhi is definitely defined by its monuments and heritage. It defines different periods of Delhi – jab woh saat baari ujdi, aur saat baar basi. I think, we take Delhi for granted but people who visit the city for the first time are overawed by the magnificence of our monuments. You can’t miss them. Delhi is Delhi because of its monuments.”
How heritage inspires their work
“History that does not impose itself, history that celebrates the human and not the powers they had, inspires me. Nature inspires me the most,” says Muzaffar, as he takes out his diary and pen to sketch the mosque. He continues, “As an artist, I believe that time has its own creativity and sensibility. My art is a celebration of time’s creativity – which you see at these monuments.” For Meera, monuments have always served to be an inspiration for her designs. “The form, the symmetry or the conscious breakdown of it is fascinating. It leaves a strong impression on my sensibilities as an architect and a designer,” she says.
On World Heritage Day, Meera says, “Be sensitive to the spaces, the heritage, the ecosystem around you.” Muzaffar agrees and adds, “Celebrate the beauty around you, chaahe jisne bhi banai ho. Celebrate Delhi and its monuments. It is important to be sensitive around heritage sites.”
