Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Vashi, is currently hosting a photography exhibition by photojournalist Mukesh Parpiani, titled “Four Decades of Storytelling in Frames.” The exhibition, which began on May 31 and continues till June 5, features 63 iconic photographs chronicling defining moments in India’s recent history and cultural life.
Having drawn over 100 visitors in its opening days, the exhibition showcases Mr. Parpiani’s unmatched ability to capture the pulse of the moment — whether it be on the bustling streets of Mumbai or at major national events. On display are striking images of Aishwarya Rai during her early years of modelling, Sushmita Sen being crowned Miss Universe, and vibrant scenes from Ganesh festival celebrations in Mumbai during the 1980s, reflecting the evolution of both cityscape and sentiment.
"Parpiani, who has served with prominent publications including The Times of India, The Indian Express, and Daily, and later as Director of the Piramal Art Gallery at NCPA Mumbai, is widely respected for his deep visual intuition and journalistic sensitivity. His work blends artistic composition with strong narrative value" said a member from Bhavan.
At the exhibition’s opening, Parpiani delivered an a talk on “Exploring Street Photography,” where he spoke about the nuances of capturing everyday moments, the importance of waiting for the right frame, and how photographers must train their eyes to see what others miss. He emphasized that even something as commonplace as faded posters left on walls can become a starting point for creative expression.
He also encouraged young photographers to embrace mobile photography, pointing out that today's technology allows anyone with an eye for detail to tell compelling visual stories. Mumbai’s monsoons, he added, are an especially rich canvas for street photographers.
The exhibition builds on the success of last year’s “Mumbai Monsoon” photo exhibition and marks the beginning of a new chapter at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Photo Gallery in Sector 30A, Vashi, which will now host monthly exhibitions featuring renowned photographers from across the country.
“This gallery is our tribute to the art of photography,” said K.V. Subramanian, President of the Bhavan’s Photography Society. “We are privileged to open this series with Parpiani’s body of work — these are not just photographs, they are slices of history, culture, and emotion.”
The exhibition remains open to the public until June 5. Visitors are encouraged to experience this extraordinary journey through the lens of one of India’s foremost visual chroniclers.
