What began as a one-room affair with just 8 to10 students now coaches over 500 artists. Its architect, Ali Asgar, speaks of life’s ups and downs — and the forces that shaped his dream institute.
Paintings at Kalabhumi Institute of Fine Arts
Ali Asgar got into arts when he was in Class VIII. But it was only after completing school that he decided to take it up seriously. He joined Jamia Millia Islamia to do his graduation in Fine Arts. Soon after, he founded Kalabhumi Institute of Fine Arts in Dwarka. The institute celebrated its 10th anniversary on April 6.
The institute offers courses in fine arts, hobby workshops for kids and coaching for entrance examinations.
Ali Asgar, the founder of Kalabhumi Institute of Fine Arts
“It has been a journey full of ups and downs. What started as a one-room venture from my home is celebrating 10 years of success today. It’s a proud moment for me — and for anyone who has been associated with this journey,” says Asgar, a resident of Shahbad Mohammadpur, Dwarka, Sector 21.
Coming from a middle-class family, Asgar lacked parental support for the professional choice he made. But he never quit, and started his first centre in Uttam Nagar. Recalling his early days, he says, “I didn’t have the capital to start a full-fledged art school. But somehow I managed to start a small one. But unfortunately, the building had to be sealed off for reasons beyond me. It was a huge setback.”
Paintings by the students of the institute
He adds, “I had also got through a job in the railways at the time. But I needed to choose between my career and the career of my students. So I began again — it was a painful journey, but worth it. I have been trying to encourage budding artists and push them in the right direction — something I never had. I also do a lot of career counselling for schools. I speak to children about the professions they can pursue in Fine Arts.”
What began with just 8-10 students, now coaches more than 500 aspiring artists. They are being prepared for various entrance exams, such as the ones conducted by NIFT (National Institute of Fashion technology), NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), NID (National Institute of Design) and for BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) in various colleges.
A class in progress
The institute holds regular painting competitions for students. Asgar also organises workshops for the inmates of Tihar jail.
Asgar has participated in various national and international art fairs. His last exhibition, Anant Ki Aur, was held in December. He plans to digitalise his courses, and is set to start two more centres in Saket and Lakshmi Nagar.
