In a significant move for India's film preservation efforts, acclaimed director Muzaffar Ali has generously donated a precious 35mm release print of his award-winning 1986 Hindi feature film, 'Anjuman', to the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). The donation aims to support the ongoing mission to safeguard the nation's rich cinematic heritage for future generations.
A Ceremonial Handover for Posterity
The physical film print was formally presented by Shri Muzaffar Ali to Shri Prakash Magdum, the Managing Director of NFDC, at a ceremony held in New Delhi. This contribution is part of the systematic work being undertaken by the NFDC-NFAI under the Government of India's National Film Heritage Mission, a crucial project dedicated to the conservation and restoration of India's film legacy.
Anjuman: A Cinematic Gem's Unique Journey
Directed and produced by Muzaffar Ali, 'Anjuman' holds a distinctive place in Indian cinema. The film was an official selection of the Indian Panorama in 1986 and was showcased at prestigious international festivals including the Vancouver Film Festival and the Tehran Film Festival. Despite this global recognition, the film notably did not receive a widespread theatrical release in India.
Artistically, the film is celebrated for several milestones:
- It was extensively shot in the historic locales of old Lucknow, with principal cinematography by Ishan Arya.
- The film sensitively portrays the lives of women artisans specializing in Lucknow's renowned chikankari embroidery, highlighting their socio-economic struggles.
- In a rare artistic feat, legendary actress Shabana Azmi, who played the lead, lent her own voice to the playback songs.
- The music was composed by the maestro Khayyam, with lyrics penned by Shahryar and the late revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.
The Filmmaker's Vision for Preservation
Expressing his motivation for the donation, Muzaffar Ali reflected on the fragility of film and the importance of archival work. He stated that 'Anjuman' followed his earlier works like 'Gaman' and 'Umrao Jaan' and is an exquisitely crafted cinematic document. "The celluloid medium is very fragile. When the image starts fading, it is heartbreaking, because every frame is crafted with great care for colour and design. Losing that beauty to time is terrible," Ali remarked.
He emphasized that NFDC-NFAI's preservation work is "like a breath of fresh air" and is not a business but about building bridges for the future. "When I donate my film reels, I see a future—not just for the film, but for the many eager eyes who would like to experience the beauty of Anjuman," he added, expressing relief that the film can now be properly restored and saved.
A Call to Action for the Film Industry
Upon receiving the donation, NFDC Managing Director Prakash Magdum stressed the critical importance of preserving the country's cinematic heritage. He thanked Muzaffar Ali for his contribution and made a strong appeal to all stakeholders in the Indian film industry—including filmmakers, producers, and technicians—to come forward and contribute to this national cause.
Magdum urged them to deposit films and related material with the archive, ensuring that the artistic and cultural narratives encapsulated in cinema are not lost to decay and time. This collective effort is vital for the success of the National Film Heritage Mission.
The donation of 'Anjuman' is more than just the addition of a film print to a collection; it is a symbolic step in acknowledging cinema as a vital national artifact worthy of meticulous care and preservation for the enlightenment of audiences yet to come.
