Break Out Of Your Shell

Renowned filmmaker and fashion designer Muzaffar Ali, who created the classic film Umrao Jaan, ponders how his travels through India inspired his work and led to the germination of the must-attend Sufimusic festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau

- Satarupa Paul

How has travel inspired you—as an individual and in your work?

Travel is indeed an eyeopener. It startles you and inspires you. It opens your mind to a new sense of scale and a different experience of light and sound. While on my travels, besides architecture and nature, craftsmanship and performing arts reach out to me more than anything else.

What would you say has been the most significant contributions of India to your work—in film and in fashion?

India has contributed a great deal to all my work—certainly with her sense of syncretism of culture, and quite obviously, with her rich crafts and musical traditions.

How did travel contribute to the idea of your pioneering Sufi music festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau?