Sir Syed’s first biopic resonates with contemporary Muslim issues

Syed Ahmed Khan Biopic | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements

He was one of the founders of modern India and a proponent of the two-nation theory. However, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s first biopic goes beyond simple dualism and instead attempts to find answers to the controversial legacy of the founder of Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College, formerly known as Aligarh Al Muslim University (AMU). A two-hour cut of the OTT series is in the works, Messiah The show premieres Monday at AMU’s iconic Kennedy Auditorium and will later air on Apple TV.

At a time when the minority status of central universities is being hotly debated in the courts and society, the series details how Sir Syed built a bridge against the clergy, a section of the Muslim community, by creating a modern center of learning. Conflicts between Muslims and the British government arose following the 1857 Rebellion by members and conservative elements, when colonial powers held the Muslim community primarily responsible for the rebellion. “He believed that ignorance was the main cause of Muslim political decline and therefore promoted modern education,” said Shoaib Hussain Chaudhary, who not only directed the play but also plays the title role . “The role fell to me after a well-known person refused to take up the challenge, perhaps because of the stigma attached to him.”

Chaudhry, a well-known figure in the television industry, believes Sir Syed was an advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity and that he was wrongly associated with the two-nation theory. “This theory was developed long after his death in 1898. What he was asking for was Muslim representation in the legislature, and it is still relevant given the political status of the community today.”

As a man who believed in a book answering a book, Sir Said responded to William Muir’s controversial comments about the Prophet Muhammad with a rational interpretation of Islamic tradition. Khutbat Ahmadiyya.

Adapted from Hayat Javedis Khwaja Altaf Hussain Hali’s biography of Sir Syed’s life, which places him under the leadership of Raja Ram Mohan Roy Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chand Vidyasagar and considered him not a communal figure but a communalist who realized that Hindus This fact is that Bengalis are at least 50 years ahead of Muslims in accessing modern education.

Interestingly, the spark came from Mirza Ghalib. When Sir Said approached the poet to write a preface to his translation ain akbarihe advised him to concentrate on contemporary issues of society and said there was no point in celebrating Akbar’s rule when the world constitution was being drafted in Calcutta.

‘Controversial idea’

The series also criticizes Sir Syed’s views on girls’ education and backward Muslims, and discusses whether he made a mistake in not joining forces with the Indian National Congress. It also explores his tumultuous relationship with his son Syed Mohammad. Life brings problems. “Sir Syed’s character seems contradictory, but if you see him as a product of his time, everything falls into place,” said screenwriter Mutim Kamali. “Although Islam abhorred slavery, he chose pragmatism because after the 1857 revolt, the community was unable to fight against the colonial power. Mahatma Gandhi also did not take the path of armed rebellion. Sir Syed did not join the National Congress,” Kamali said. Congress, but toward the end of his life his views changed and had he lived longer, he might have joined the Congress.

Professor Shafey Kidwai, an authority on Sir Syed who described the series as a true portrayal of Sir Syed’s life and works, said: “Sir Syed’s views on female education and backward Muslims are widely misunderstood. The film attempts to present a Set the record straight in a convincing way.

The show was on a tight budget and was only filmed on set after AMU refused permission. “Filmmakers in the past did not deliver on their promises, so previous governments were wary of our intentions, but I am happy that now the university has accepted the film,” Chaudhry said.

Apart from Chaudhry, the show also stars Akshay Anand, Zarina Wahab, Arif Zakaria and Deepak Parashar in pivotal roles.