Meera Ali

Architect, Designer & Filmmaker

Meera Ali, trained in architecture and alternate building technology before moving to Kotwara after her marriage to filmmaker Muzaffar Ali. Working closely with rural communities, she founded the non-profit Dwar Pe Rozi, reviving traditional crafts and empowering thousands of women across several villages. In 1990, she co-created the couture label House of Kotwara, showcasing Indian craft globally. As a production and costume designer, she has worked on films, television, operas and Sufi festivals, and later produced feature films and craft documentaries. Her passion for culture and cuisine led to her book debut book, Dining with the Nawabs (2017)  most recently she co-edited the book on Umrao Jaan brought out to celebrate its re-release as a 4 K featured film in 2025.