Have you ever wondered who’s behind the stunning artwork in India’s most iconic buildings? Meet Masooma Rizvi, a 55-year-old artist, architect, and entrepreneur who’s making waves in India’s art and architecture scene. From redesigning dollhouses as a child to beautifying the New Parliament Building.
Early Beginnings
Masooma Rizvi’s love for art and design started early. As a little girl, she wasn’t content just playing with dollhouses – she wanted to redesign them! She’d cut up walls and rearrange furniture until everything looked perfect. This early passion was a clear sign of her future career.
Growing up, Rizvi’s family moved around a lot because her father was in the Army. She also spent time with her grandmother in the United States. These experiences taught her to adapt quickly and connect with different people – skills that would prove valuable in her future career.
The Path to Architecture
Despite her love for art, Rizvi faced a common challenge when choosing her career path. Her parents, like many others, believed that good students should become doctors or engineers. So, Rizvi initially went into science to please her family.
However, her heart always knew she’d return to architecture or interior design. After getting married at 18, her mother made her promise to be financially independent. This push, combined with her passion, eventually led her back to her true calling.
Breaking into a Male-Dominated Field
When Rizvi finally entered the world of architecture, she faced skepticism as a young woman in a male-dominated field. People would often ask, “Where is the main architect?” not believing that she could be in charge. But Rizvi didn’t let these challenges stop her. She persevered, proving her skills and talent along the way.
Inspiration Strikes
Rizvi’s unique vision came from an unexpected place – government and Army offices. She noticed how plain and lifeless these spaces often were, with beige walls and no art. This observation sparked her mission to beautify these areas, starting with Army messes and museums.
Big Break: The Rashtrapati Bhavan Project
Rizvi’s career took a significant turn when she was chosen to work on a project for the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the official home of India’s President). Then-President Abdul Kalam wanted a simple hut built on the grounds. Rizvi’s design, which involved artisans from Northeast India creating an eco-friendly bamboo hut, won the competition.
This project taught Rizvi how to integrate art into buildings themselves, a concept that would define her future work. She credits President Kalam for inspiring her career, saying, “I truly give Abdul Kalam-ji all the credit for everything I am today.”
Notable Projects
Since then, Rizvi has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including:
1. Artwork for the New Parliament Building
2. Interiors of the Rashtrapati Bhavan
3. Murals at the Maharishi Valmiki International Ayodhya Airport
4. Artwork at the Manekshaw Centre
Preserving Traditional Art in Modern Times
Rizvi isn’t just focused on creating beautiful spaces – she’s passionate about preserving India’s rich artistic heritage. She believes in using modern technology to make art and history engaging for younger generations. “If we want to preserve our heritage, our stories, and our monuments, we must engage the generations to come,” she says.
Her approach involves making museums and historical sites interactive and exciting. She uses cutting-edge technology, including AI, to bring history to life. This forward-thinking approach is putting India on the map as a leader in cultural preservation.
Supporting Grassroots Artists
A life-changing accident gave Rizvi a new perspective on her work. While recovering, she set a goal to improve the lives of grassroots artists, especially women. She wanted to remove middlemen and ensure artists received fair compensation for their work.
Today, Rizvi works with nearly 300 traditional artists, helping to preserve traditional craftsmanship while providing sustainable livelihoods. This commitment to supporting local artists adds depth and authenticity to her projects.
Rizvi’s Philosophy
Throughout her career, Rizvi has remained true to her dreams and worked hard to achieve them.
Her life philosophy is simple but powerful:
1. Have a dream
2. Concentrate on that dream
3. Work towards that dream
She believes that with this approach, nothing is impossible. Rizvi’s success as a self-made entrepreneur and artist proves the power of her philosophy.
Conclusion
Masooma Rizvi’s journey from a curious child redesigning dollhouses to a renowned artist-architect beautifying India’s most prestigious buildings is truly inspiring. Her work not only enhances the visual appeal of spaces but also preserves India’s rich cultural heritage.
Rizvi’s story teaches us valuable lessons about following our passions, overcoming obstacles, and giving back to our communities. As she continues to dream big and work hard, she’s not just creating beautiful spaces – she’s inspiring the next generation of artists and architects in India.
