A journey of dreams, discovery and legacy: Muzaffar Ali and Shaad Ali reflect on two eras of cinema
From Gaman to Zooni, the conversation travelled through triumphs, heartbreaks, and the fragile dreams that shape a filmmaker’s soul
The In Conversation session brought the father–son duo together in a rare, reflective dialogue on memory, culture and the art that shaped them
#IFFIWood, 21 November 2025
The In Conversation session on ‘Cinema and Culture: Reflections from Two Era,’ at IFFI opened a window to Indian cinema across generations, where memory, dreams, and artistry intertwined in a father–son dialogue. At the outset, noted filmmaker Ravi Kottarakara felicitated the duo and spoke warmly of their contributions, acknowledging the enduring impact of their work. Shaad Ali then moderated with warmth and insight, taking his father, the legendary Muzaffar Ali, down the memory lane through decades of his experiences, reflections, and lessons.
Shaad Ali began with a deceptively simple question: What was the first profession you ever dreamt of, growing up? Muzaffar Ali’s answer unfolded as a tapestry of childhood sketches, art-class prizes, and the ever-present pull of poetry. Films, he said, arrived later, offering catharsis and a space where imagination could roam freely, unshackled from the predictable imagery of mainstream storytelling. Calcutta, he recalled, opened a world where cinema and artistry intertwined, and where the unpredictable became possibility. “Filmmaking is about what your chemistry, botany, geology is,” he reflected, speaking to the elemental roots of creation.
During his early years, Muzaffar Ali witnessed the plight and helplessness of people migrating, an experience that became the emotional core of Gaman, his film about the pain of displacement. Although the film won the Silver Peacock at IFFI, Muzaffar Ali said he never felt elevated by the achievement. Success, he explained, did not make him feel ‘empowered’, it only reminded him that new struggles and new challenges were always waiting ahead.
The conversation turned to craft and music. Shaad Ali observed the distinctive staging of Muzaffar Ali’s early works, and the father explained how remaining rooted was central to his approach, from Gaman to Umrao Jaan. Music, he revealed, grew from poetry, philosophy, and surrender. The melodies of Umrao Jaan, he explained, were born from a poetic sensibility that demanded humility and collaboration. “Poetry makes you dream, and the poet must dream with us,” he said.
Then came Zooni, a dream that became a challenge. Planning a bilingual film in Kashmir brought logistical, cultural, and seasonal obstacles that ultimately halted production. Muzaffar Ali described the experience as “a dream beyond many dreams” and painful in its collapse. Yet, even in its unfinished state, its spirit endured. Kashmir, he reminded the audience, is more than a location; it is a living culture. “Films for Kashmir must be born in Kashmir,” he said, urging young local talent to carry forward its legacy.
Shaad Ali spoke about the ongoing restoration of Zooni, revisiting its negatives and soundtracks, and re-engaging with his father’s cinematic vision. Through this journey, he reflected on how cinema can heal, not just entertain. A touching video titled Zooni: Lost and Found was played, capturing the father–son journey of dreams, setbacks, and the hope of reimagining the film.
During the Q&A session, a question was raised about reviving films that reflect Kashmir’s real culture, rather than just serving as a backdrop for songs. Muzaffar Ali responded with conviction: Zooni was conceived as such a film. “Kashmir has everything,” he said. “You don’t need to invite talent, you need to grow it there.”
As the session concluded, it was clear that the audience had witnessed more than a conversation; they had glimpsed the inheritance of cinema itself, the dreams, struggles, and legacies that pass from one generation to the next, carried forward with care, devotion, and hope.
About IFFI
Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the 56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.
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