Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a modest fort city to a bustling metropolis of over 20 million. This evolution has been driven by a myriad of political, social, and economic forces over the centuries.
Peeking into its past reveals a rich narrative, from the Koli fisherfolk to colonial planners and Bollywood stars, each group leaving its mark on the city’s ever-evolving landscape.
A newly opened exhibition, 'Bombay Framed', charts this journey, showcasing a stunning array of paintings, photographs, and multimedia prints that illuminate Mumbai's shifting identity.
Featuring more than 100 images across three centuries, the exhibition presents the city through various lenses—from the elite lives of Zoroastrian merchants and cinema luminaries to the laborers and marginalized communities that represent its working-class spirit.
As curator Gyan Prakash states, the exhibition prompts viewers to appreciate Mumbai as an artwork of layered complexities and diverse experiences.
The narrative can be traced through key periods of change, such as the reclamation of the islands into a single city in the 1830s and 40s, the dismantling of fort walls in the 1860s that gave rise to noticeable colonial architecture, and the construction of Marine Drive during the 1920s which marked the birth of a distinctive modern architectural identity.
Currently, urban planners are focused on large-scale infrastructure projects that continue to reshape the city’s skyline, reflecting an ongoing quest to blend utility with the unique heritage of the area.
However, the soul of the city lies not merely in its physical structures but in its inhabitants. The exhibition captures everyday life and personal stories, from philanthropic Parsi elites fostering cultural advancements to artists critiquing socio-political dynamics.
Even the iconic Bollywood cinema, which once flourished on Mumbai's streets, is represented through vintage film posters and striking photographs that shaped public perception of famed stars like Raj Kapoor and Madhubala.
Though the city’s name officially shifted from Bombay to Mumbai in the mid-1990s, the exhibition's title, 'Bombay Framed', serves to capture the historical essence of its past while acknowledging the complex relationship between its dual identities.
Visit 'Bombay Framed' to delve deeper into Mumbai’s multi-faceted history—a compelling story woven through art that invites reflection on the city’s evolution and its vibrant culture.
