It was a unique exhibition curated by veteran photojournalist Pradeep Chandra and eminent film historian SMM Ausaja to honour none other than the legend of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, for turning 75 years old.
Every inch of the wall at Luna Gusta in St Regis Hotel, Mumbai, proudly displayed used rare photographs, paintings, sketches, posters, block print art, vinyl LP covers, lobby cards and hand-bills in 75 frames. Aptly titled Frames 75, the exhibition was a special tribute to the, as the invitation read, ‘the tallest icon’ in his 75th year’.
Amitabh Bachchan, looking dapper, as always, in a black and white jacket, graciously made an appearance to inaugurate the preview of the exhibition. He patiently walked through the hall, admiring, sometimes commenting, on the items on display in his characteristically humble way.
This was followed by a felicitation ceremony, also attended by Bachchan’s old associate Javed Akhtar and Subhash Ghai, among other prominent people like Parvez and Roshni Damania, Nisha JamVwal and Malavika Sangghvi. Not to mention, the media and the other guests jostled with each other to try and get another bite and one more glimpse of the superstar. He was presented with a painting by Sharvari Luth.
In shuddh Hindi, with his trademark baritone adding heft to his words, he expressed his gratitude for the efforts taken by Chandra and Ausaja in documenting these historical photos and other rare collectibles. He further urged them to do the same with our old films that are lying in a dismal state, uncared for. He promised, “I will be more than happy to be present at such an event.”
Interestingly, Pradeep Chandra had organised an exhibition when Bachchan turned 61 too, which was also inaugurated by the star. He has also authored a coffee table book on the actor. Talk about being a ‘Bachchanophile’!
As for us at Bold Outline, we say, keep the tributes for the superstar celebrating his platinum year coming. He deserves all of them and more…
The exhibition continues in Subhash Ghai’s Whistling Woods in Goregaon, Mumbai, till May 25, 2018, for all the Bachchan fans and then moves on to Taj Nasik on June 3, 2018.
