An Essay in Response to Other Kohinoors, A Film by Uma Magal and Mahnoor Yar Khan

By Rafath Begum, BA III Year

“Isne kitni tabaahi dekhi, Iske zakhm ka kuch hisaab nahin, 

Baavjood iske zamaane mein, Hyderabad ka javaab nahin.”

                                                                   —  Kamal Pershad Kanwal

I had the privilege to watch the film Other Kohinoors — Rocks of Hyderabad on 14.2.2023 at RBVRR Women’s College. The screening was organized by the Department of English and Foreign Languages and Quills Literary Club. Other Kohinoors – Rock of Hyderabad, is directed, produced and edited by Uma Magal and co-produced by Mahnoor Yar Khan. It is a thoughtful tribute to the rocks of Hyderabad. It is a unique and interesting film that made us aware of the importance of rocks; our relationship with the beautiful boulders of the city and how we could preserve them for future generations.

The rocks are as precious as the Koh-I-Noor diamond. The film shows the presence of rocks in contemporary pop art, language, literature, craft and cuisines like “Pathar ka Gosht.” Even the names of places like ‘Borabanda’, ‘Punjagutta,’ ‘Narayanaguda’ and religious sites like temples, masjids, stone architectures, derive their beginning from the rocks. We are connected to the rocks in every possible way. The beauty of the rocks plays an important role in the ecological health and distinct aesthetic identity of the city. There are many rocks like ‘Pathar Dil’ rock in MANNU campus, ‘Khaja Guda’ rocks in Hyderabad which adds to the exclusivity of Hyderabad. The film takes us on a journey where we witness the way rocks have influenced the city’s heritage and culture. The importance of the film cannot be denied, especially in a time when we have begun to disrupt our environmental surroundings; we destroy rocks for our own benefits; but we never see the other side, how other living creatures suffer due to our destructive habits. We are losing the jewels in the crown of Hyderabad.

The film was screened for all the second and third-year students and most of them had enjoyed the film. I hope the students learnt the value of preserving our environment. Dr J Achyutha Devi, Principal attended the screening. Madam was thrilled to learn about the religious and mythological role of rocks. She said the film is an ‘an education in rocks.’ Dr M Suchitra, Head, Department of English and Foreign Languages and Chairperson, Quills Club said that the film is an ‘essential cultural text of our present times.’

Rocks are an integral part of human existence; without rocks, mankind would have no building materials to create sturdy, beautiful homes, buildings, monuments, and even tombstones. But aside from constructing materials, rocks are also part of the earth’s geography. Rocks preserve water and help in the formation of lakes. Other Kohinoor – Rocks of Hyderabad, is a visual treat; both to the eyes and the ears. The panoramic shots of rain-drenched boulders with peacocks dancing around them, the injured surface of rocks blown by dynamites; the background rap songs and the Urdu poetry made the film an experience to remember. The film is informative and entertaining at the same time. One of the highlights of the film is the background music, especially the acoustics by Akram-Ul-Haq. I was delighted to hear him live in the college. I agree to what our faculty member, Dr Jhilam Chattaraj, also well-known poet in the city said; Mr Akram’s music added a ‘calm’ and ‘meditative’ feel to the film. After the screening, it was also amazing to listen to Mr Sudarshan Vig, Associate Director, Associate Producer, Website Strategist, Tech Lead and Outreach Manager of the film. He explained the long and arduous journey of the entire team in putting this brilliant artwork together. The movie is filled with beautiful shayaris. I personally loved the lines by Sikander, “Mazdooron ka Paigham;” they were heart touching. The film makes us think about something which we usually ignore — the rocks. I request every Hyderabad-i to watch Other Kohinoors; the film will repair our relationship with the beautiful lakes, rocks and blue skies of the city.