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 – 27^th

Time : 11 am to 7 pm

Curator: Aditya Arya

India, with its vast cultural history has documented evidence of writing, right from 3rd Century BCE, with ‘Edicts of Ashoka’ in Brahmi script. Brahmi is considered by many to be the mother of many scripts found in the Indian subcontinent. Today, India boasts of a vast linguistic and scriptural diversity which has tremendous possibilities for creating designs from letterforms. It is imperative that calligraphers and designers utilise this opulence to create designs and styles which will showcase India’s unique culture to the world. 

Amrita Amodkar with her art work at the Jehangir Art Gallery

Achyut Palav is one such calligrapher who has taken Devanagari and Modi to the world stage, showcasing his works all around the world, through exhibitions and demonstrations. Today, after four decades of a phenomenal career as a calligrapher and designer, Achyut Palav is now poised to launch his exhibition and book, AksharBharati, at Jehangir Art Gallery, on 28th January 2025. Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis will be inaugurating the exhibition as well as launching the book ‘AksharBharati’, in presence of chief guest Mr. Anil Gala, Executive Director of Publishing and HR at Navneet Education. 

Amrita presenting her art work to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

The book Akshar Bharati – the letters of our nation, is a collection of incredible calligraphic artworks by various artists in India, in a variety of scripts. Some of the scripts which have been included are Bengali, Gurumukhi, Jaina Devanagari, Avestan, Siddham, Modi, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu to name a few. Along with the beautiful calligraphy art, insightful articles by Ganesh Devy, Dr. Santosh Kshirsagar, Dr. Balsekar, G.V. Sreekumar, Narayan Bhattathiri and Ashok Parab can also be found in this book. Selective artworks from the book, shall be on display at Jehangir Art Gallery and include works by Achyut Palav, Amrita Amodkar, Harshada Salgaonkar, Perin Pudumjee Coyaji, Pooja Gaydhani, Rupali Thombare, Shrikant Gawande and Trupti Mane Furia. 

Knowledge dissemination about different scripts and languages, such as through this book and exhibition,  will help people appreciate the fact that despite appearing so distinct from each other, all are still a part of an united India. This is truly the epitome of ‘Unity in Diversity’. Respect for each other’s languages and traditions can lead to the harmonious growth of our society. This shall also inspire future generations to champion the cause of preservation of our scripts. This beauty of our scripts and languages is aptly captured in this Akshar Bharati exhibition, and it will be an enriching encounter for all to experience it. 

The exhibition will be open for public from  28th January 2025 till 3rd February 2025, from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. in the Auditorium hall at Jehangir Art Gallery. Entry is free.

The Guild have announced ‘Pottery House’, a solo project by Mansi Bhatt, which will be opening soon at The Guild. The show will feature the artist’s new film, also titled ‘Pottery House’, along with photo installations, artist diaries, and other notes from its creation.

Pottery House will be on view at The Guild from Saturday, 11 January 2025, with a special preview at noon.

The Guild have announced ‘Pottery House’, a solo project by Mansi Bhatt, which will be opening soon at The Guild. The show will feature the artist’s new film, also titled ‘Pottery House’, along with photo installations, artist diaries, and other notes from its creation.

Pottery House will be on view at The Guild from Saturday, 11 January 2025, with a special preview at noon.

The Guild have announced ‘Pottery House’, a solo project by Mansi Bhatt, which will be opening soon at The Guild. The show will feature the artist’s new film, also titled ‘Pottery House’, along with photo installations, artist diaries, and other notes from its creation.

Pottery House will be on view at The Guild from Saturday, 11 January 2025, with a special preview at noon.

Functioning within the mode of performative photography, the work of Mumbai based artist Mansi Bhatt often lends itself to sculptural and cinematic transformation. Mansi foresees performance art as an act of regenerative space where the performers’ presence is seen and reminisced through the prosthetic; observed in Adbhut Lok (Birla Kolkata, 2019), Past Horticulturist (The Guild, 2018), Making Space (Sakshi, 2019). Bastard’s callings to her last inheritance: Conservative Landscapes (Goethe, 2019) her photo series interlaces a layered debate around women, possession and their frictional politics.

In her exhibit A Suite she took on the environment of small town India which further exhibited with her other photo installations at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2016–17. In her performances, she prepares through a larger than life persona to perform a heroic act with three immediate elements of our lives—land, water and sky—that we consume and get consumed by, often through the lens of gender and the ecosystems we inhabit. She has shown her works since 2006 in India and abroad. The artist lives and works in Mumbai.

In a dazzling new photoshoot that has taken the internet by storm, Eesha Agrawal exudes effortless glamour, showcasing her bold fashion choices and undeniable style. Known for her versatility, Eesha has once again made a statement, this time embracing the timeless allure of denim with an edgy twist.

Eesha Agrawal

The stunning series of photos highlights Eesha in a coordinated denim ensemble that merges classic design with modern-day glam. The cropped denim jacket, paired with high-waisted jeans adorned with metallic studded detailing, creates a powerful yet chic look. The intricate studwork on her pants adds an element of rebellious elegance, elevating the outfit from casual to couture.

Eesha Agrawal

Eesha’s styling is equally striking, with her voluminous hair and natural makeup accentuating her strong features. Her choice of accessories, including hoop earrings and minimalistic silver jewelry, balances the entire ensemble, keeping the focus on her bold outfit. The subtle layering of a grey tank and a white shirt peeking through the denim jacket adds texture and depth, while her choice of vibrant pink heels gives the look a pop of color, completing the overall aesthetic with a touch of fun and femininity.

Her new photoshoot is already creating waves on social media, with fans and fashionistas applauding her ability to seamlessly blend contemporary trends with timeless pieces. Eesha Agrawal is not just following fashion trends — she’s setting them. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to redefine modern fashion with her bold and unique style.

Go Spiritual India, a prominent charitable organization dedicated to promoting spirituality and holistic well-being, has launched a comprehensive Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day. The campaign focuses on the transformative power of spirituality in addressing mental health challenges and preventing suicides, particularly among vulnerable populations such as senior citizens and the youth.

With a mission to foster resilience, hope, and a deeper sense of purpose, Go Spiritual India’s campaign highlights the importance of spiritual practices in improving mental well-being and combating the rising tide of suicides. By integrating ancient Indian wisdom with modern mental health approaches, the organization aims to offer a holistic and accessible solution to this critical issue.

The campaign includes a series of interactive workshops and webinars, featuring insights from spiritual leaders, mental health professionals, and wellness practitioners. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and depression through spiritual practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga. Participants will learn how these practices can foster emotional resilience and inner peace, offering a lifeline to those struggling with mental health issues.

A dynamic social media awareness and digital outreach initiative will also form a key part of the campaign, disseminating information about the intersection of spirituality and mental health. This outreach aims to reach a broad audience with messages of hope and healing, sharing inspiring stories of individuals who have found strength through spiritual practices. Additionally, the campaign will provide tips on incorporating spirituality into daily life as a preventive measure against mental health challenges.

Recognizing the unique mental health challenges faced by senior citizens, the campaign will extend its outreach to elderly communities, offering specialized sessions that address issues such as loneliness, grief, and the sense of purposelessness that often afflict older adults. By promoting spirituality as a source of comfort and connection, Go Spiritual India aims to reduce the incidence of depression and suicidal thoughts among seniors.

The campaign also provides access to a range of support resources, including a dedicated helpline for spiritual counseling, online mental health services, and guidance on incorporating spiritual practices into daily routines. These resources are designed to offer immediate support to individuals in crisis, as well as ongoing guidance for those seeking to improve their mental well-being through spirituality.

Go Spiritual India Intro Film

In addition to its focus on senior citizens, the campaign will target youth and educational institutions, addressing the alarming rates of suicide among young people. Through partnerships with schools and universities, Go Spiritual India will conduct sessions that teach students the value of spirituality in coping with academic pressures, social challenges, and personal setbacks, equipping them with the tools to navigate these critical phases of life.

MEC PRIMO recently captured the spotlight with its exclusive Rose Achkan, donned by actor Rohit Purohit in a wedding sequence of the hit television show, ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.’ The exquisite design, which perfectly encapsulates the brand’s ethos of luxurious craftsmanship, has garnered widespread acclaim and set a new benchmark for contemporary ethnic wear.

MEC PRIMO, a distinguished name in the Indian fashion landscape, has made a remarkable entry into the online fashion world with its exclusive premium menswear collection. Rooted in a 10-year legacy as a celebrated offline fashion boutique in Madhya Pradesh, MEC PRIMO is poised to redefine men’s fashion under the visionary leadership of its founders.

The brand is the brainchild of acclaimed movie producer Priyank V Jain, renowned designer Mohit Jain, the founder of Bhopal’s iconic MEC M boutique, and popular actor Kashish Thakur Pundir, winner of Roadies 13 and Splitsvilla fame. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of style, promising a unique blend of elegance and sophistication for the modern gentleman.


MEC PRIMO is committed to offering discerning clients timeless pieces that resonate with their refined tastes, making every moment a statement of style.

The World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) will host its highly anticipated Conference and Expo (WHEF 2024) in Mumbai this year. This major business event will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre from December 13th to 15th, 2024, under the theme “Think in Future, for the Future and Viksit Bharat.”

WHEF 2024 is part of the annual Conference and Expo held by the Forum to foster economic development and societal empowerment within the global Hindu community. The previous editions were attended by  thought leaders and policy makers like Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways; Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister; Rt. Hon. Priti Patel, British Home Secretary; Shri Ajay Piramal, Chairman of Piramal Group; The Hon. Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of Mauritius; and others.

Over the course of three days of WHEF 2024, attendees will engage in plenary sessions addressing a range of critical topics. It will feature three grand panel sessions, six plenary sessions, and twenty-four parallel sessions across six halls. Nearly 1,000 participants are expected to attend these sessions, which will provide in-depth explorations of specialized topics, encouraging detailed discussions and knowledge sharing.

A key highlight will be the networking sessions and a Shark Tank-style event, aimed at fostering business connections and innovative ideas. The expo, which will run throughout the forum, will showcase leading domestic and international companies. With many prominent Bharatiya companies participating, this year’s expo is set to reach new heights, featuring a broad array of firms eager to present their products and services and expand their global footprint.

WHEF 2024 will start with a grand inaugural session on December 13th, featuring a series of sessions and keynote speeches. WHEF will conduct a range of activities, including lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and an EXPO with the vision ‘Think in the Future, for the Future, and Viksit Bharat.’ Rooted in the shared values and collective strengths of the global Hindu community, WHEF is dedicated to advancing economic development and societal empowerment. Following successful annual forums in cities such as Hong Kong, New Delhi, London, Los Angeles, Chicago, Bangkok, and various regional economic hubs worldwide, WHEF is set to host an important conference in Mumbai this December,” said Swami Vigyananand of WHEF.

This year, Chief Ministers, Central Ministers, State Ministers related to finance, business, and the economy, as well as Chairpersons, Managing Directors, and CEOs of leading industrial, technology, and financial companies, have been invited to WHEF 2024 in Mumbai. Their presence is expected to enhance the event’s significance and its role in shaping the Bharat economy.

The sectors represented include Defence and Aerospace, Construction, Steel Industry, Cement Industry, Automobile, Electric Vehicles and Mobility, Transport, Coal, Minerals and Mining, Conventional Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas, Pharmaceuticals, Health and Wellness, Medical Device Technology, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Agriculture, Banking and Finance, Insurance, Startups and Ecosystems, Technology, Telecommunications, Electronics, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Film and Television, and Hospitality and Tourism. Additional plenary sessions will cover regional opportunities in Maharashtra, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.

India has emerged as one of the most robust FinTech economies in the world with landmark innovations in secure payment systems and gateways, paperless lending, mobile banking and wallets and other innovations which are driving the country’s digital transformation. India’s FinTech sector, currently the third largest and third highest funded globally, trailing only the USA and China, is poised to emerge as a global leader.

Against this backdrop, World Trade Center Mumbai and All India Association of Industries are set to host the 9th edition of their flagship event, the Global Economic Summit, themed “FinTech: Accelerating the Digital Revolution,” from August 8-10, 2024. The Summit will discuss pathways and strategies to meet the unmet credit needs of MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and under-served communities through digital solutions such as paper-less credit, account aggregator framework, cash-flow based funding, alternative credit scoring methods and so on. World-over, central banks are encouraging their traditional banks to deploy technologies to promote digital supply chain financing for MSMEs and digital payments.

According to the UK Sinha-led Expert Committee of RBI, MSME sector faces credit gap to the extent of Rs. 20-25 lakh crore and fintech can be a key enabler of credit accessibility and affordability for small scale enterprises.

Highlighting the importance of this Summit, Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai remarked “India has the fastest growing fintech industry in the world and the Summit will add further momentum to this growth by connecting local companies to their global counterparts, fostering opportunities for investment, exchange of technology and business partnerships. This also aligns with the government’s initiative to take India’s fintech innovations such as UPI to the global market.”

The Summit is supported by ONDC, an open e-commerce network backed by Government of India, Digital Lenders Association of India (DLAI) and Atal Incubation Centre – RMP. The event is co-sponsored by IDBI Bank. In order to facilitate cross-border collaboration for Indian fintech startups, WTC Mumbai has garnered the support of Geneva-based global e-trade facilitator World Trade Point Federation and International Digital Economy Association (IDEA)which represents 25 countries across Africa, Middle East and Asia and FinTech Belgium.

The key highlights of the Summit are Conference, Exhibition, Networking Session, and Awards Ceremony.  The Summit will be an ideal platform for delegates and around 100 exhibitors to showcase their products and services among more than 5,000 visitors and 300 delegates from 10 countries, including policymakers, regulators, diplomatic corps and fintech industry leaders.

The Conference will be addressed by distinguished experts/bankers like Mr. P. Vasudevan, Executive Director, RBI; Ms. Amor Maclang, Co-Founder, International Digital Economies Association (IDEA); Dr. Dirk Zetzsche, Professor of Financial Law, University of Luxembourg; Mr. T Koshy, CEO, ONDC; Mr. Jatinder Handoo, CEO, Digital Lenders Association of India (DLAI) and other fintech leaders from India and around the World.

The Summit will also host notable speakers like: Mr. Makoto Shibata, Head & Chief Community Officer, FINOLAB Inc; Mr. Mihir Gandhi, Partner and Leader, Payments Transformation, PwC India; Mr. Hrushikesh Mehta, Senior Vice President – Financial Services, ONDC; Mr. Ajay Rajan, Country Head- Transaction Banking, Yes Bank; Mr. Amit Purohit, VP and Head – Digital Business, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC; Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Co-Founder and Director, Moneyview; Mr. Manish Lunia, Co-Founder, Flexiloans; Ms. Shilpa Mankar Ahluwalia, Senior Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas; Dr. Pawan Bakhshi, India Lead- Inclusive Financial Systems, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Mr. Sashank Rishyasringa, Co-founder, Axio; Mr. Jaideep Pawar, Founder & CEO, GRAMePAY; Ms. Smita Jha, Partner, Khaitan & Co; Mr. Mandar Agashe, Founder, Managing Director & Vice Chairman, Sarvatra Technologies.

These speakers will discuss and deliberate on evolving market trends, critical emerging technologies, public digital infrastructure, frictionless lending, guardrails, compliance procedures and investment outlook.

Pointing out the relevance of the Summit theme, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai said, “The fast-growing fintech sector has transformed the lives of millions of consumers and businesses, ranging from self-employed persons to women entrepreneurs and large corporate houses. Fintech is the key driver of financial inclusion, gender equality, easy access to credit in rural areas and sustainable development goals.”

The earlier editions of the Summit witnessed participation of more than 300 Indian and International delegates from around 30 countries. For further information call on+912266387379 or on +91 22 22019265 or email to bhupendra@wtcmumbai.org  / info@aiaiindia.com or visit https://www.gesmumbai.com/

Anuja Sahai, renowned singer and actress, has taken another stride in her artistic journey with the grand opening of her new recording and dance and dramatics studio, Kamakhya Studios, located in the heart of Andheri West. Studios launched by Major Sanjay Raole. Alongside this milestone, she has released her latest song, “ROOHEDARIYAN,” a captivating journey of emotions, sung by the enchanting voices of Anuja Sahai and Umesh Giri.

“ROOHEDARIYAN” is a soulful melody that delves into the depths of human emotions, offering listeners an immersive experience that resonates with the heart. Anuja Sahai’s mesmerizing vocals, combined with Umesh Giri’s poignant delivery, create a harmonious blend that tugs at the heartstrings. The song is a testament to Anuja’s versatility as an artist, showcasing her ability to evoke a myriad of emotions through her music.

The song features Anuja Sahai herself, alongside the talented Abhi Khajuria, whose contribution adds depth and richness to the composition. With heartfelt lyrics penned by the esteemed Sudhakar Sharma, “ROOHEDARIYAN” explores themes of love, longing, and resilience, striking a chord with listeners of all ages.

Directed by the visionary Raja Sarfaraz Ahmed, the music video for “ROOHEDARIYAN” is a visual masterpiece that brings the song to life with its compelling narrative and stunning cinematography. Through Ahmed’s direction, the video seamlessly captures the essence of the song, further enhancing the emotional journey for the audience.

Kamakhya Studios, the brainchild of Anuja Sahai, is set to become a hub for creativity and expression in Mumbai’s bustling entertainment scene. Equipped with state-of-the-art recording facilities alongwith the dance studio and dramatics studio, Kamakhya Studios aims to provide a nurturing environment for artists to explore and hone their craft. From recording sessions to the dance and drama rehearsals, the studio offers a range of services tailored to meet the needs of both seasoned professionals and emerging talents.

Anuja Sahai’s dedication to her artistry and her commitment to creating meaningful content continue to inspire audiences worldwide. With the launch of Kamakhya Studios and the release of “ROOHEDARIYAN,” she reinforces her position as a leading figure in the Indian entertainment industry, leaving an incredible mark on the hearts of her listeners 

Anuja Sahai’s and Umesh Giri’s Kamakhya Studios inaugurated by Major Sanjay Raole

Renowned performer, composer, and producer Kuljit Bhamra MBE has unveiled the world’s first electronic tabla, revolutionizing Indian drumming for musicians worldwide. The launch event in Mumbai witnessed the presence of esteemed music maestro Anup Jalota and other prominent personalities from the showbiz industry.

Kuljit Bhamra, known for his exceptional contributions to Bhangra and Britasian music, as well as his performances in prestigious productions like ‘Bombay Dreams’ and ‘Bend It Like Beckham’, has been awarded an MBE for his remarkable services. Currently serving as Professor of Tabla, Indian Rhythms & Improvisation at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, Kuljit is dedicated to making Indian drumming accessible to musicians from diverse backgrounds.

In collaboration with his company, Keda Music Products Pvt Ltd, Kuljit has introduced Tabla Touch, the world’s first range of playable electronic tabla, along with a universal notation system for grading and assessment of tabla students. This innovation aims to eliminate the barriers of maintenance and tuning associated with traditional tablas, offering a lighter, more versatile alternative.

Tabla Touch allows musicians and composers to explore the intricate sounds of the tabla effortlessly. Its adjustable tuning, lightweight design, and compatibility with amplifiers, headphones, computers, and MIDI modules make it a versatile instrument for modern music production and performance. The onboard sound banks include various Indian drums, enhancing its versatility further.

Kuljit envisions Tabla Touch as a modern gateway to the traditional world of Indian music, attracting musicians worldwide to embrace this beautiful instrument. He emphasizes the importance of adapting traditional instruments to contemporary sensibilities, citing the popularity of electric guitars and pianos as precedents.

Speaking about his vision, Kuljit expressed his excitement about the potential of Tabla Touch to bridge cultural divides and inspire new generations of musicians. He highlighted the need for innovation in music education, citing the success of his instructional books, web-series, and workshops in promoting tabla learning across diverse communities.

The unveiling of Tabla Touch marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian percussion instruments, promising a new era of creativity and accessibility in the global music landscape.