Mumbai’s Icons, Captured in Time : AN EXHIBITION – ‘Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra’
Museo Camera will present “Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra,” a captivating exhibition showcasing the photography of Pradeep Chandra. The exhibition, curated by Aditya Arya, Director of Museo Camera, will run from February 16th to 27th, offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of Mumbai (then Bombay) through the lens of one of India’s most celebrated photographers.
Pradeep Chandra, a veteran photojournalist, returns to Delhi after 45 years to share his extraordinary collection of images. Having spent a decade in Delhi in the 1970s, contributing to publications like Hind Pocket Books, Saptahik Hindustan, Kadambini, Sushma Shama, and Youth Times, and working with Delhi Press as a staff photographer, Chandra’s return to the city of his early career is a homecoming. His lens has captured the essence of Bombay’s dynamic culture, its influential personalities, and its transformative moments over the years, making this exhibition a significant cultural event.
“Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra” is a visual chronicle of the city’s evolution, featuring iconic figures from various fields. The exhibition features an impressive array of portraits, including luminaries from the art world such as M.F. Husain, Tyeb Mehta, F.N. Souza, and Mario Miranda. Film enthusiasts will recognize legendary actors like Ashok Kumar, Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjay Dutt, alongside glimpses of cinematic moments, such as Rajat Sharma interviewing Sharad Pawar on the sets of Aap Ki Adaalat.
Beyond the realm of arts and entertainment, Chandra’s lens has also captured historical and spiritual figures. The exhibition features poignant portraits of the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, and spiritual leader Osho Rajneesh. Music aficionados will appreciate images of maestros like Hariprasad Chaurasia, Amjad Ali Khan, Bhimsen Joshi, Zubin Mehta, and Ustad Zakir Hussain. The political landscape is also represented, with photographs of prominent leaders from Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to L.K. Advani and Narendra Modi.
This exhibition is more than just a collection of photographs; it is a journey through time, offering a unique perspective on Bombay’s rich history and its diverse population.
Pradeep Chandra’s work, borne from his time with esteemed publications like The Indian Post, The Indian Express, The Illustrated Weekly of India, and Bombay Times, encapsulates the spirit of the city. His images are not merely snapshots; they are stories frozen in time, capturing the essence of their subjects and the era they represent.
Curator Aditya Arya’s vision brings these powerful images together, creating a narrative that resonates with both long-time residents and those new to the city. “Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra” is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in photography, history, and the vibrant culture of Mumbai.
Exhibition Details:
Title: Bombay Through the Eyes of Pradeep Chandra
Venue: Museo Camera
Dates: February 16th – 27th
Time : 11 am to 7 pm
Curator: Aditya Arya